Though the month may be high summer for us it’s very much the start of the autumn rush for many of our birds, though some species will still be on second or third broods. We’re likely to say farewell to the Swifts over our homes as they start to head south, though birds can be seen into September over some of our reservoirs where such feeding birds may include birds that have bred farther north.

The second half of the month and into early September will see many summer visitors moving through, some fattening up on fruits such as Elderberries and Blackberries, including many normally insectivorous Warblers.

This is the time to scour your local patch for migrants that don’t breed locally such as Wheatears, Whinchats, Yellow Wagtail (check areas with horses or playing fields), Redstart and both Flycatcher species, with Spotted Flycatcher the more frequent.

Last year the urban oasis of Walpole Park held a male Pied Flycatcher for several days and also a male Redstart. Places such as Horsenden Hill, Warren Farm and Yeading Brook Meadows are likely to produce some of these though you may be very fortunate to get a Flycatcher or Redstart in your garden!