SWIFT calamity

Since I moved in to Little Chalfont some 28 years ago, COMMON SWIFTS have nested in some numbers in the village. This year has been an exception though, with just three pairs returning to breed at Chaffinch House, rather than the usual 8-10 pairs. As a result, just two young fledged and looking out on this blustery evening, it seems that they have departed south already, much earlier than usual. I shall miss their loud screams as they wheel about the house chasing insects (and each other). What worries me more though is that sooner rather than later, my Swifts won't be coming home at all, such is the serious decline in numbers. Depressing news and adding to the near extinction of House Sparrows in my garden (from an average of 78 birds 1987-2013 to just 2 now) and the loss of nearly 90% of Greenfinches through disease.

Recent images from the Chess Valley

Since early May I have been away on numerous long birding trips and have had little opportunity to do any 'local birding'. As a result, virtually nothing of any interest has been seen....

On 2nd July, I did a full inventory of local sites but found little to shout about. Here are some images I took that day......

Plenty of Foxgloves in full bloom

Stacks of Banded Demoiselles along the Chess

A Painted Lady close to Crestyl Cress Beds - very scarce in the Chess Valley but coinciding with a huge irruption from North Africa

An excellent summer for Small Tortoiseshells

Buckinghamshire's consistently Best Kept Village - Chenies

and a local supercar