Not the sunniest of Augusts but a dry period did allow two thirds of the hay fields to be cut and baled. Usually the cutting of the grass brings in Kites and Buzzards from afar but not on this occasion, only "our" Kites and Buzzards made an appearance. Obviously a better offer was on elsewhere, although the Heron did spend time wandering the cut fields looking for a morsel or two.
Combined flocks consisting of Great, Blue, Coal and Long-tailed tits plus Nuthatch and Goldcrest are wandering the woods and a family of Spotted Flycatchers made an appearance as have a family of Stonechat. A large  flock (40+) of swallows has been around feeding and about 15 House Martins  surveyed the eaves on their way through. I assume this provides knowledge of potential nesting sites for the following year. We have had very large flocks do this in some years.
Tawny Owls have become very vociferous in the last week presumably the young are having to find their own territories - good thing we don't follow suit.