Last Swallowtail of the Summer? Garganey on the year-list!

A grabbed couple of hours at Strumpshaw looked to be heading for just a good walk in the sunshine until I reached Tower Hide. A couple of Little Egrets were nice to watch close-up, while Kingfisher and Marsh Harrier added to the interest.

Out of nowhere a newly-emerged Swallowtail flew in and flopped onto the island in front of the hide: almost impossible to see, never mind photograph! Another flew overhead as I walked west along the riverbank.

At least two Garganey were lounging around in the sun on the spit, while a couple of Wigeon suggested the Autumn is nearly upon us....

Last photo-op was the dyke by the rail crossing, which held at least a dozen Willow Emeralds, as well as lots of Southern, Migrant and Brown Hawkers.