Tuesday 16th September

A dusk walk along the ridge footpath to Bush Wood and then returning along the River Ash. Highlight was relocating the recently discovered merlin, now hunting over the recently harvested bean fields. It was witnessed chasing (unsuccessfully) a small flock on linnets. Unfortunately, too distant for worthwhile photos. Good movement of swallows and martins, with 150+ being recorded. Whilst sitting at Bush Wood a party of 8 swallows shot past, heading north east!
Also viewed were several reed bunting. These were the first of autumn and all were roosting in the hedgerow along to the wood. 3 hares were observed in the cropped fields and tawny and little owls were heard as I approached Hadham Ford. Several jays argued from the oaks and upon my return a female garden cross spider was photographed in the garden, a particular September creature.