It has been an interesting yet frustrating month with Hoverflies and insets providing the bulk of interest and activity. August, particularly the early weeks are traditionally quiet days for bird activity. 

Interesting sightings have included  Osprey still at Powderham, Green Sandpiper on Exminster Marsh and of course the Great White Egret – Ardea alba in Somerset at Chard Reservoir. Further afield in West Yorkshire  this months other noteworthy sightings were a Short Eared Owl, Grey Partridge and possible Twite  (that doesn't go down as a sighting though). I think the Owl is possibly the most memorable because I discovered it for myself and it was an exciting spectacle. 

Garden birds have been quiet to say the least  but we have had a Wren, heard but not seen, Goldfinch,Coal Tit, Blue Tit,Dunnock, Collared Dove and Wood Pigeon. The garden highlight was a female Sparrowhawk that made a pass at the bird feeder and specifically a Wood Pigeon (unsuccessfully). Perhaps more notable though was the absence of several species. No Blackbirds seen for several weeks nor Robin for at least 3 months. The Herring Gulls have fledged and left the roof next door but the male continues to be present, making a nuisance of himself. Starlings are notably absent.

Several species of hoverfly in the garden have been great additions to my  list. The most exciting was Xanthogramma pedissequem the Ornate Hoverfly But there have been others including yesterday, Myathropa florea – the False Dronefly.