We seem to be back to blue skies and sunshine although the breeze is quite stiff today.

The purple heron is still here but now seems to favour the small pond where it is difficult to observe without flushing the bird.

At least one pied flycatcher is still in the garden.

A female hen harrier past the back of the garden yesterday.

A turtle dove was by the pond this morning.

The mallard which is nesting by our door has still not hatched the 12 eggs. I don't know how the ducklings are going to cope with virtually no water in the ponds. Stella suggests I fill an old bath with water.

The sunflower harvest has just begun opposite the house.