For the first time in some while I decided the conditions were such that I could risk venturing to the top of Brent Knoll without suffering heat exhaustion.
Some autumn migration in evidence in the form of three Wheatears on the top, a smattering of smart, freshly moulted, and very green looking Willow Warblers in the scrub surrounding the summit plus a single Spotted Flycatcher. Other usual Suspects Green Woodpecker, Kestrel and Ravens in evidence – (a Raven has taken to perching on the top of the Spire of East Brent Church and croaking most mornings).
The predominant Butterfly species were Small Heath which is good news because I believe they are becoming quite scarce – I saw them in every field from the bottom to the top probably 30 or 40 individuals, in second place were Common Blues followed by Clouded Yellows, allowing for double counting at least 8, mostly on the upper slopes. On the downside I didn’t see any Wall Browns, there is a colony on the rim in the area of the Monuments, I would expect to see a few in mid August.