SUMMER ACTUALLY BEING SUMMER

After a couple of weeks away, mainly avoiding the short bursts of rain, the warmth (even heat) of summer is returning again.

The hosepipe ban might have been called off for now but, with little rain in the current forecast, it might be back later this month.

Not much to report on the wildlife, aside from a few butterflies in the garden, while the flora is certainly blooming given the recent rain and warm conditions.

There are even some tomatoes coming through, while the broad beans will need picking this weekend – and should be quite a crop.

The sunflowers are not bad this year, although not as high as some years – they’ll definitely be providing a good source of late summer early autumn seeds for the birds, who’ll return to the garden after their summer excursions around the countryside.

The only other thing to note was the suspected predation of a roosting blackbird in the garden by an owl.

I was out in the garden around midnight when I heard a woosh, followed by a bird brushing against leaves, before a blackbird alarm call was abruptly stopped.

A minute or so later I heard the calls of a tawny owl in a nearby field.

Without night vision goggles or a camera I can’t confirm any of this, just the noises helping put together a picture of what happened in the darkness.

DROUGHT CONDITIONS IMMINENT?

The results of the breeding season are clearing being heard in the trees, bushes and hedgerows around the garden.

The good news is, despite the five blue tit chicks that sadly died in the garden, there are plenty of successful broods that have fledged – many making noises to claim a post-nest feed from their parents.

But with another heatwave having already started, and predicted to continue for at least another week, let’s hope they find enough water and daytime shelter to keep hydrated.

The local streams are running dry, so I’ll be supplying extra water for those in need.

No further updates on the robins or blackbirds, although they haven't been seen really for a couple of days, so I don't expect any chicks from the hedge or nest box in the ivy.

No rain is predicted until July, so the flora is also needing support, particularly the flourishing broad beans.

The sunflowers are definitely strengthening, while the tomato plants are showing signs of enjoying the heat.

Watering is now happening every night, with the watering can and hose getting a lot more use than last year.

The only concern is if the rain shortage continues it might lead to a hosepipe ban, and then the plants will be in trouble.

Many will love the warm sunny weather, but it does mean wildlife can be negatively affected, although not all.

The swallows are loving this weather and it might help them raise two or even three broods this year.

The first brood is due to fledge very soon, and their chattering song, often expressing delight during an evening feeding session, is one of my favourite sounds of the summer.