August round-up 2025

Hello from the Patchwork Challenge team!

An awesome month, with autumn migration now in full swing with no stopping in sight! Some patch birders succeeded with finding some mega rare birds on their patches yielding them fifteen well earned points! This just showing that working a patch, birders will one day be justly rewarded, let that be either a national mega bird or a locally good bird that you have always wanted to grace your patch. 

Now September is underway, hopes are high for more rarity action - by the time of writing, there has been quite a few American Waders recorded in Britain and Ireland this autumn, American Goldies, Buff-breasted and Baird's Sands, Wilson's Phalaropes etc, while those westerly winds are still bringing across large numbers of good seabirds to the western coastline, as August proved! 

The autumn so far has been somewhat lacking in prolonged easterly winds, bringing drift migrants in to the majority of the east coast. The long range forecast at the moment seems to predicting a more promising outlook to East coasters come next week. The first good dumping of Yellow-browed Warblers amongst other nice September drifters could be just around the corner...

Greenish Warbler, David Roche

Inland North, England: 

Ben Moyes still holding first place in the league with 183 points at Swillington Ings. Duncan Bye at Wheldrake Ings increased his last months score by eight points, putting him on 167 points after finding Pectoral Sandpiper. Ciaran Rowwett at Martin Mere WWT is in third place with 164 points, month highlight being Red Kite. Lee Wiseman finished August in fourth on 145 points, getting a good list of highlights including Tree Pipit, Green Sandpiper, Marsh Harrier and two Greenshanks. Mike Leakey at Bishop Middleham noted Little Stint and Marsh Harrier, leaving him on 133 points. The start of a tight bit in the league with Owen Tattersall breaking the hundred points barrier, getting to 104 points this months with the hightlights being Hobby, Redstart and 29 Yellow Wagtails. Next being Paul Whitehouse at Stanley Ferry Flash on 99 points, notching up the Great White Egret and Bitterm, but also the first patch record of Green Sandpiper. There are then three other contestants in the 90 points bracket. 

Spotted Flycatcher, Owen Tattersall

Inland Midlands, England: 

Pete Sofley leading the charge in this minileague still with 166 points at Ladywalk NR. He noted a good list of species for August with Black-necked Grebe the highlight and the first there in over a decade, while Spotted Redshank was the first since 2018. Steve Atkinson on 92% comparitevly is in second at Middle Tame also picked up on Spotted Redshank, putting him on 147 points. Andy Sims at Boultham Mere came in at third with 127 points recorded. Brian Hedley at nearby Trent Port/Marton is fourth, still on 113 points. Steve Lister at Swithland Reservoir also on 92% comparative score saw two Barnacle Geese, Greenshank and a juvenile Arctic Tern finishing the month on 109 points, the same as Tom Shields at Colwick Park. Tom has now reached 100% of his comparitive score after seeing a Cattle Egret on patch this month. William Lambourne at Much Markle isn't too far behind on 102 points, picking up Whinchat and Goosander this month. 

In the 10km league, Richard Harbird at Redditch has regained the top spot with 154 points after adding species like Great White Egret, Garganey and Mandarin during the month. Andy Sims is back in second with Swanpool on 151 points. Tom Shields at Nottingham Trent Valley has scored 102% of his comparitive score already, finishing August on 148 points picking up species like Tree Pipit and Redstart. William Lambourne and Dan Webb are fourth and fifth in the league but are so close comparitively, both on 100%. William at Ledbury is on 132 points, picking up species like Ringed Plover, Turnstone, Whinchat and Goosander. Dan at Sellack saw Tree Pipit and Whinchat. 

Spoonbills with Great and Little Egrets, Andy Sims

Inland South, England:

Matthew Dick at Lakenheath has increased his lead, he is now on 155 points with Glossy Ibis and Ruddy Shelduck the latest highlights. Geoff Wyatt at Day's Lock, Oxon increased his points score by three during August, putting him on 140. Freddie Matthews' reliable third place has been rumbled, knocked to fourth by Conor Mackenzie at Sutton Courtenay who pipped him by two points, with the latter finishing on 131 with highlights of Red-crested Pochard, Greenshank and Spotted Flycatcher. Gareth Casburn at Ardley ERF just pips John Pritchard at Ver Valley to fifth place, both on 115 points, but with Gareth's 103% comparitive compared with John's 93%, means he finishes higher. Their highlights were also very similar with both having Redstart and Whinchat, but Ardley also had a juvenile Caspian Gull. Neil Burt continues his amazing year with 112 points, notching up an incredible 106% comparitive score with seven new year ticks in August with two Whinchats, two Wheatears, singles of Gadwall, Sedge Warbler and Yellow Wagtail, flocks of Sand Martins and a patch tick Ring-necked Parakeet. Gareth Blockley at Grismbury Reservoir next with 105 points. Ian Bennell is stuck on 103 points. Josh Hedley at Willen Lakes edging ever closer to the hundred mark is on 95 points, after notching up plenty of passage waders like Greenshank, Ruff, Dunlin and Black-tailed Godwit. Tom Bedford at Lye Valley records his best year yet for Yellow Wagtail and Spotted Flycatcher on his patch, with six and three records respectively although the stand out record being a flyover Tree Pipit. In the 10km league, Dave Helliar at Chard still leading, and recorded some great species like Grey Phalarope, Pied Flycather and Whinchat.

Neil Burt's inland Kent patch

Coastal East, England: 

Jack Pettit working the southern half of the Spurn Bird Observatory recording area is still leading with 290 points, highlights being both Sooty and Balearic Shearwaters, but also a Barred Warbler in the hand. Owen Beaumont at Saltfleetby-Theddlethorpe Dunes NNR is in second on 242 points, patch ticking Crane during the month. Trevor Girling is not far behind on 233 points at Titchwell Marsh RSPB, while Paul French had an amazing month putting him on 215 points, with one morning finding both Great (two) and Cory's Shearwaters flying north past his Easington patch, he also had a Wood Warbler in the garden and a flock seven Glossy Ibis over there too! James Brown came up trumps at Lowestoft with Greenish Warbler but also a Black Tern, leaving him just six points behind Paul at Easington. Stuart Ainsworth at Gibraltar Point is in sixth on 182 points, followed by Duncan Watson at Tynemouth who ended the month on 157 points, highlights including Cory's Shearwater, Pomarine Skua and Caspian Gull. 

Coastal South, England: 

Jacob Spinks at Dungeness Bird Observatory still in the lead, notching up to 271 points. Amy Robjohns tallied up 184 points to finish in second at Titchfield Haven by the end of August. Kevin Rylands at Dawlish Warren had a productive month, year ticking Roseate Tern, Balearic Shearwater, Little Stint and Treecreeper leaving him on 171 points, his window patch now on 70 points after adding Yellow-legged Gull to the year list. In the 10km league, Jacob Spinks has increased his lead to 320 points, with the major highlight being a Zitting Cisticola found by Barry Wright. Bob Ford and Amy Robjohns are still battling it out for second with Bob just pipping it still with 192 points, his month's highlight was Little Stint at Weymouth. Amy's month total was 186 points in the Solent. 

Coastal West, England: 

Sean O'Hara is still plodding along on his own in this league, but he has reached a brilliant 90% of his comparitive score with 146 points scored so far Leasowe, Meols and Hoylake. 

Estuarine: 

What a month and an unforgettable experience for Gordon Hodgson at Splatt when he found a Black-winged Kite on the 20th! This gave him the majority of his 20 points scored during August, with other highlights being Cattle Egret and Tree Pipit. Peter Hazelwood is still in second place at Oldbury Power Station with 144 points while Jackie Binks is in third place, on 123 points adding Spotted Flycatcher to the year list. 

BlueSky screenshot of Gordon's surprised post!

Garston/Oglet patch, Jackie Binks

Islands: 

Some incredible birding in this league in August, just showing the awesomeness of birding an island! John Bowler at Balephuil has now reached 235 points this year, giving him 86% comparitive. His list of highlights include Wilson's Petrel from a land based seawatch; the first recorded as such on Tiree, Melodious Warber which was just the second for Tiree as well as Sabine's Gull, Little Stint and Sooty Shearwater. David Roche trailing behind by only eight points with 227 scored on Papa Westray, another awesome list of highlights include White-rumped and Pectoral Sandpipers, Great Shearwater and Greenish Warbler. David Parnaby has been knocked down to third after staying on 216 points. In fourth, Steve Dudley at Westray picked up Woodchat Shrike which was just the second island record, putting him on 178 points - he also enjoyed a good sprinkling of common migrants too. Sean Morris at Kilmory, on the Isle of Rum got a patch tick in the form of Little Stint while on his other Rum patch, Kinloch, saw Green Sandpiper, giving them a comparitive score of 85% and 87% respectively. 

In the 10km league, John Bowler increased his points tally to 250, with an additional Balearic Shearwater amongst his good 3km birds, Steve Dudley on Westray also picked up Balearic but also Cory's Shearwater, both of which new birds for the isle putting Steve on 91% comparitively, the scond highest scored in this mini-league. Sean Morris on the Isle of Rum notched up 137 points. 

Little Stint, Sean Morris

Melodious Warbler, John Bowler

Coastal Scotland: 

Rob Hughes has had an amazing month at Nybster, gaining a whopping 77 points, mostly from taking advantage of some amazing seawatching on offer, this included finding both mega seabirds Fea's-type Petrel and Barolo-type Shearwater but also Sabine's Gull, Cory's and Great Shearwaters. This gives Rob Hughes a comparitive score of 111%, and with the most exciting part of the autumn to come, that percentage could be a lot higher yet! Dylan Daunt increased his Musselburgh total to 180 points, keeping him in second. Nina O'Hanlon has increased her rankings too, she is now third with 159 points also at Nybster, bringing her comparitive to 109%. Andrew Whewell at North Berwick East also had a good month for seawatching, picking up Cory's and Sooty Shearwaters also Marsh Harrier. Nick Littlewood at Portsoy just six points behind picked up two patch ticks, Green Sandpiper and Greenshank. In the 10km league, Rob Hughes has hit a whopping 222 points which included all the seabirds that was included in the 3km. 

Inland Scotland: 

Alex Ash at Kilmacolm is now on 94% of their comparitive score, with 91 points scored so far. Lee Hesp at Strathyre picked up Snipe and Reed Bunting, so finished on 58 points. 

Coastal Wales: 

Peter Howlett has up top in this mini-league at Cardiff Bay with a hundred points scored so far, 75% of his comparitive. He is just three points ahead of Alex Jones ar Rhyl. 

Thanks for reading, and hope a Glossy Ibis enjoys your patch soon! 

Happy birding, 

Patchwork Challenge team

July round-up 2025

Hello from the Patchwork Challenge team!

We have now completed our monthly review for July and it seems to have been a slow month nationally, with a lot of effort put in but little reward gained, with a few points scored here and there. However, there have still been some nice birds recorded, including this stunning adult White-winged Black Tern on Gordon's Estuarine patch of Frampton, Splatt & Saul Warth. Read on to find out what more has been seen! We hope you will enjoy. 

White-winged Black Tern, Frampton Sailing Lake, Gordon Hodgson

Leading scores by mini league 3km²:

Inland North England: Ben Moyes, Swillington Ings - 183 points

Inland Midlands: Pete Sofley, Ladywalk NR - 160 points

Inland South England: Matthew Dick, RSPB Lakenheath- 147 points

Inland Scotland: Alex Ash, Kilmacolm - 86 points 

Inland Wales: Nicholas Beswick, Mynydd Llangatwg - 58 points

Coastal East England: Jack Pettit, Spurn - 290 points

Coastal South England: Jacob Spinks, Dungeness Bird Observatory 3km² - 262 points

Coastal West England: Sean O'Hara, Leasowe/Meols/Hoylake - 133 points

Coastal Scotland: Dylan Daunt, Musselburgh - 174 points 

Coastal Wales: Peter Howlett, Cardiff Bay and Alex Jones, Rhyl - 97 points

Estuarine: Gordon Hodgson, Frampton, Splatt & Saul Warth - 159 points

Islands: David Parnaby, Fair Isle - 226 points

Top Comparative Scores:

Paul Whitehouse, Stanley Ferry Flash and Southern Washlands 3km² - 107%

Neil Burt, Godinton, Hothfield & Singleton 3km² - 99% 

Tom Shields, Nottingham Trent Valley 10km radius - 99%

Freddie Matthews, Winchester 3km² - 98%

Tom Shields, Colwick Park 3km²  - 98%

Dan Webb, Sellack 10km - 98%

William Lambourne, Ledbury (Herefordshire) 10km - 98%

Ben Moyes, Swillington Ings 3km² - 97%

Gareth Casburn, Ardley ERF 3km² - 97% 

Owen Tattersall, Figham Common 3km² - 95%

Dave Helliar, Chard 10km - 95%

Inland North, England:

Ben Moyes keeps the top spot with 183 points at Swillington Ings, with no additions in July. It has become neck and neck for second place with Duncan Bye at Wheldrake Ings stuck on 159 points while Ciarian Rowett has caught him up at WWT Martin Mere, whose monthly highlights include Nuthatch and Black-necked Grebe. Lee Wiseman in fourth only added one species, a flock of Common Scoters calling overhead one late evening, a typical thing in the Pennines in July and August, putting him on 137 points. Darren Best at Swinemoor and Mike Leakey at Bishop Middleham are on joint fifth place with 125 points - Mike's highlights were Whimbrel and Hobby. Owen Tattersall at Figham Common and Paul Whitehouse at Stanley Ferry Flash and Southern Washlands are also on the same number of points in sixth with 94. Owen's highlights include Kingfishers and patch tick Tawny Owl while Paul's highlight is Spoonbill. The rest of the table is still very tight, as three contestants are on 91, 90 and 89, with Phil Woollen at Mollington currently on top of this little battle for ninth. 

Inland Midlands, England:

Peter Sofley is still up top after achieving 160 points at Ladywlk NR, his month's highligh was certainly Willow Tit but also recorded Black-tailed Godwit. There has been no place changes in the top five of this league so Steve Atkinson at Middle Tame is still in second on 142 points, with no additions in July. In third, Andy Sims has kept his position, scoring 124 points by the end of month- the best bird being the first patch record of Spoonbill. Brian Hedley at Trent Port/Marton now on 113 points, his best birds of July included Redstart, five Ravens and a Hobby. Tom Shields at Colwick Park had a nice inland record of Sandwich Tern at Colwick Park, putting him on 107 points, and a fantastic comparitve score of 98% - the highest in this league. Steve Lister still trailing Tom by two points, he is now on 105 points and his highlight being Redshank. William Lambourne now in seventh at Much Marcle scoring 96 points by the end of the month, and having two patch golds in July in the form of Little Grebe and Little Egret! Dan Leadley in Dereham, Norfolk, is still on 72 points from 70 species. 

In the 10km league, Andy Sims at Swanpool is now first with 149 points, Richard Harbird in the Redditch area is now second after scoring 145 points, his highlight being a Wood Sandpiper at Morton Bagot. Tom Shields at Nottingham Trent Valley is on a superb 99% comparitive score, with 144 points so far, his highlights include Black-tailed Godwit and Marsh Harrier. William Lambourne in fourth, but his moment of migration magic sounds ace with drizzle creating an inland fall of warblers, including over a hundred Chiffchaffs and 30 Reed Warblers, as well as five Spotted Flycatchers. Will also noted his first local Redshank during the month, leaving him on a 98% comparitive score, which Dan Webb in fifth is also on, after noting both Greenshank (this being just a second record for the patch) and Redshank giving him a end of month score of 124 points. Steve Lister isn't far behind on 116 points. 

Spoonbill as well as Great and Little Egret, Boultham Mere, Andy Sims

Inland South, England:

No change in points or position to the top three spots, which are held by Matthew Dick at RSPB Lakenheath, Geoff Wyatt at Day's Lock and Freddie Matthews at Winchester respectively. John Pritchard adding a couple of points, putting him on 112 in fourth with a pair of breeding Spotted Flycatchers. Gareth Casburn at Ardley ERF added five points in July, he is now on 109 points and a great comparitive score of 97%. Conor Mackenzie at Sutton Courtenay fell behind to sixth, after not adding any points in July. Neil Burt had two additions at Godinton, Hothfield & Singleton, with typical July fare of five Spotted Flycatchers and up to 29 Crossbills, putting him on a fantastic 99% comparitive. Ian Bennell at Tring Reservoirs still on 103 points but Gareth Blockley almost caught him up, after adding four points puts him on 102 at Grimsbury Reservoir and East Banbury. Next is Charlie Joseph at Weald CP and Bentley area is on 86 points, with highlights of Crossbill and Hobby. 

Over in the 10km league, Dave Helliar at Chard is still at the top spot with 142 points scores, 95% comparitively, his highlights include Cattle Egret, Redshank and Black-tailed Godwit. 

Coastal East, England:

Jack Pettit has been running away with the score so far, mopping up 290 points at Spurn with highlights including finding a White-rumped Sandpiper, but also seeing Honey Buzzard, Wood Warbler and a local mega Stone Curlew. Trevor Girling at Titchwell RSPB is in second with 233 points followed by Owen Beaumont at Saltfleetby-Theddlethorpe Dunes NNR, who had an excitable month with White-winged Black Tern, Bee-eater and Osprey putting him on 224 points. James Brown at Lowestoft had Roseate Tern and Little Gull, classic July species, so he finished the month on 183 points. Paul French in Easington noted Bee-eater and Crossbill over his garden, but also was hearing broods of Sparrowhawk and Tawny Owl on repeat, 24hrs a day. Stuart Ainsworth at Gibraltar Point is only one point behind Paul while there is quite a gap to seventh with Will Scott on 151 points at Bempton Cliffs. Duncan Watson has increased his tally to 145 points at Tynemouth and so has John Chapman at South Tyneside to 129 points, keeping that local rivalry alive. Paul Newton at Hawsker Bottom is on 97 points but logged a patch first with three Gadwall, patch gold!

Coastal West, England:

Sean O'Hara added one point to his score, making him finish July on 134 points at Leasowe, Meols and Hoylake. Unfortunately, he is still the only participant in this league. 

Coastal South, England:

There isn't much change in the top spots in any of the leagues, and this league is the same with Jacob Spinks in the Dungeness Bird Observatory recording area now 263 points, after a very slow July with Honey Buzzard being a late addition to the year list. Amy Robjohns has clawed back second place after updating her scores, she is now on 184 points at Titchfield Haven. Kevin Reynolds is in third at his Dawlish Warren patch with 160 points. His window patch at Teignmouth is stuck on 63 points. In the 10km league, Jacob Spinks at Dungeness broke the 300 point mark with 309 recorded, the highlight being an adult Pectoral Sandpiper. Amy Robjohns covering The Solent area notched up 186 points putting her in second quickly followed by Bob Ford on his walking around Weymouth who finished July on 180 points, his highlight being Yellow-legged Gull. 

Esturaine:

Gordon Hodgson at Frampton, Splatt & Saul Warth is still in the lead with now 159 points, a very good 93% comparitive score - his two highlights were a patch gold (and tick) White-winged Black Tern as well as Crossbill. Peter Hazelwood at Oldbury Power Station still on 144 points in second and Jackie Binks at Garston Coastal/Oglet in third, added one point to their tally, now on 122 points. 

Islands:

After David's mega June on Fair Isle, he added no additons to his year list in July so he continues to be on 216 points. John Bowler on Balephuil is slowly catching him up, adding three points in July to reach a total of 219, highlights being Greenshank and Little Grebe. David Roche on the cusp of 200 points is 10 points behind John, but had some good totals of a second-calender year Long-tailed Skua and a singing Quail. Steve Dudley on Westray had no change there, but Sean Morris on both of his Isle of Rum 3km patches added one point, putting him on 110 and 99 points respectively. In the 10km league, John Bowler on Tirree logged the Wood Duck again after a lengthy absence as well as Storm Petrel leaving him in first place with 226 points. Steve Dudley on Westray noted two additions, Red-necked Phalarope and Swift, both could be the only record of the year there - Steve finished the month on 213 points. Sean Morris on Rum added two points from last month, now on 132. 

Swallow, Tiree, John Bowler

Inland Scotland:

The only change in the league is that Lee Hesp at Strathyre added a couple of species, with one of these being his second two pointer of the year - a Hooded Crow. This putting him on 56 points. 

Coastal Scotland:

Newcomer Dylan Daut at Musselburgh has taken the top spot with 174 points, which means Andrew Whewell is now in second after increasing his points tally too 139 at North Berwick. Nick Littlewood at Portsoy had a good month, bringing his total up to 135 points after patch ticking Sanderling, but also adding Crossbill and Sooty Shearwater for the year. Rich Arthurs at Gullane/Aberlady Bay is now in fourth, just one point behind Nick. There was no change in the lower part of the league but Rob Hughes at Nybster and Andrew Whitehouse at Girdle Ness and Torry are only one point apart, 130 and 129 respectively. 

Red Kite, Caithness, Rob Hughes

No changes in any of the following leagues: Coastal Wales, Inland Wales, Coastal Ireland and Inland Ireland. 

Remember to keep us updated, by using either the #PWC2025 or #PatchBirding hashtags on Bluesky and Twitter! Please post photos, and we will try to include as many as possible in our monthly round-ups. Any questions or mistakes that need editing, don't hesitate to get in touch via direct message. Good luck for the rest of August and we look forward to seeing what you get! 

We have also secured funding for this year's prizes, so keep your eyes peeled and ears sharp for new patch year ticks this autumn! Funding has been secured through the writing of an article coming next year and also from your purchases from our shop, which is available at https://patchwork-challenge.teemill.com/. If you want a personalised item, these can be done but will just take longer. We hope you enjoy!

Happy Birding, 

Patchwork Challenge team

First half of the year overview

 Hello!

We have recently had an article published on the Birdguides website, giving a detailed account on how the first half of #PWC2025 has progressed. Why not take a look by following this link: https://www.birdguides.com/articles/patchwork-challenge-2025-update/ 

Hope you enjoy! 

Patchwork Challenge team

June round-up 2025

 Hello from the PWC team! 

Although June was a seemingly quiet month, we are now well and truly in autumn territory and we look forward to seeing what you record on your patches as the migration begins to unfold. 

Caspian Tern, Lakenheath RSPB, Matthew Dick. One of the month's superb finds.

Remember, if you are out birding this summer and come across any RBBP data species, report them appropriately and to the local county recorder, for more information follow this link: https://rbbp.org.uk/ 

Leading scores by mini league 3km²:

Inland North England: Ben Moyes, Swillington Ings - 183 points

Inland Midlands: Pete Sofley, Ladywalk NR - 157 points

Inland South England: Matthew Dick, RSPB Lakenheath- 147 points

Inland Scotland: Alex Ash, Kilmacolm - 86 points 

Inland Wales: Nicholas Beswick, Mynydd Llangatwg - 58 points

Coastal East England: Jack Pettit, Spurn - 276 points

Coastal South England: Jacob Spinks, Dungeness Bird Observatory 3km² - 258 points

Coastal West England: Sean O'Hara, Leasowe/Meols/Hoylake - 133 points

Coastal Scotland: Rich Arthurs, Aberlady Bay/Gullane and Andrew Whewell at North Berwick East - 134 points

Coastal Wales: Peter Howlett, Cardiff Bay and Alex Jones, Rhyl - 97 points

Estuarine: Gordon Hodgson, Frampton, Splatt & Saul Warth - 155 points

Islands: David Parnaby, Fair Isle - 216 points

Top Comparative Scores:

Paul Whitehouse, Stanley Ferry Flash and Southern Washlands 3km² - 103%

Freddie Matthews, Winchester 3km² - 98%

Neil Burt, Godinton, Hothfield & Singleton 3km² - 97% 

Ben Moyes, Swillington Ings 3km² - 97%

Tom Shields, both patches Colwick Park 3km² and Nottingham Trent Valley 10km radius - 96%

Dan Webb, Sellack 10km - 95%

Mark Lawlor, Hommet to Rousse, Guernsey 10km - 93% 

Gareth Casburn, Ardley ERF 3km² - 93% 

Ian Bennell, Tring Reservoirs,College Lake + Pitstone Quarry 3km² - 93%

Inland North, England:

A slow month, with only a few points added per participant apart from a few exceptions. Ben Moyes still not budging from the top spot, gaining just the one point in June leaving him on 183 points, a whopping of his comparitive score. Although his tweets suggest a superb Collared Pratincole on patch in June! So definetly a few more points to be added on. Duncan Bye increased his score to 159 with Osprey, a flock of five Cattle Egret, Green Sandpiper and Green Woodpecker while Ciaran Rowett at WWT Martin Mere dropped to third on 151 points, a Hobby the only bird of note. Lee Wiseman at Gouthwaite Reservoir has notched up 136 points, with Whitethroat the only new bird followed by Darren Best at Swinemoor, who added Cattle Egret. Mike Leakey at Bishop Middleham just five points behind, on 120 points, adding Red Kite this month. A very tight few spots in the league, Paul Whitehouse at Stanley Ferry Washlands and Phil Woollen at Mollington on the same points score of 91, but the former on a brilliant comparitive of 103% and adding Hobby in June. At Figham Common, Owen Tattersall just one point behind those two, he also saw Cattle Egret but this time grounded on his patch shadowed by Nigel Harris at Middletons on 89 points. 

Cattle Egret flock, Duncan Bye

Inland Midlands, England:

Peter Sofley still in the lead with a total of 157 points by midway point in the year. His highlights include Sanderling and Greenshank. Steve Atkinson at Middle Tame is in second with 142 points, Black-necked Grebes being the best this month, then a bit of a gap with Andy Sims at Swanpool in third at Boultham Mere/Swanpool on 118 points, quickly followed by Brian Hedley at Trent Port on 112 points whose highlights this month include Grasshopper Warbler and Redstart. Tom Shields at Colwick Park is in fifth on 105 points after adding Hobby, leaving him on an impressive 96% comparitive score, the highest in this mini-league to date. Steve Lister at Swithland Reservoir got another hard earned patch tick in the form of a Sanderling, putting him on 198 for his patch life list. He is now only two points off Tom. 

Over in the 10km league, Andy Sims is in the lead from Swanpool, with 142 points scored and some great month highlights which included Glossy Ibis and finding a Red-necked Phalarope. Tom Shields again in the lead with a comparitive score of 96% with 139 points from Nottingham Trent Valley and Richard Harbird is on the same points scored at Redditch. Only seven points seperating the next three, Dan Webb at Sellack is on 121 points, a boastful 95% comparitive, William Lambourne at Ledbury is on 117 points, having noted Firecrest and a part of the Crossbill influx. Steve Lister at Loughborough also picked up on the Crossbills, putting him on 114 points, plus he had another garden Cattle Egret. 

Inland South, England:

A generally very slow month in this mini-league, with only a couple of new highlights mentioned, although one of great signifigance being a Caspian Tern found by Matthew Dick at RSPB Lakenheath, securing him the lead so far with 147 points and a great 92% comparitive score. Geoff Wyatt at Day's Lock, Oxon still on 137 points but now sitting in second place, Freddie Matthews at Whinchester is still in third, but added a few bits including Crossbill, Black Redstart and Ring-necked Parakeet, putting him on 129 points - whopping comparitive score of 98%. A dozen points seperates the next six participants, but only one had any notables, Neil Burt at Hothfield broke the hundred point brrier with Hobby and Nightingale leaving him on joint sevent with Ian Bennell at Tring Reservoirs. The former on a very considerable comparitive score of 97%. The only other notables mentioned were from Tom Bedford in the Lye Valley area, where he recorded four Common Crossbills over Urban Oxford and a singing Reed Warbler in the inner city! In the 10km league, Dave Helliar still in the lead at Chard, with 138 points still after adding nowt in June. 

 

Grasshopper Warbler, Matthew Dick

Coastal East, England:

For what can be a very busy month on the East Coast, with the winds in the wrong direction for the most part the birding was generally slow, and lacking any proper notable drift migrants from the east during most of the month. Jack Pettit still at the top spot on 276 points, having self found Golden Oriole, two Marsh Warblers, two Roseate Terns and a second Cory's Shearwater of the year. Trevor Girling Titchwell RSPB remains in second on 225 points wile Owen Beamount at Saltfleetby-Theddlethorpe Dunes in third after picking up a singing male Savi's Warbler, a Glossy Ibis and Bee-eater giving him a total of 202 points. Otherwise most the league stayed near enough the same, with a few points added here and there. Paul French found a Rosefinch in his Easington garden, plus garden ticking Crane and Cattle Egret giving him a total of 117 points. The only other highlights came from the 10km league, James Brown at Hopton had Glossy Ibis. 

Golden Oriole, Jack Pettit

Coastal West, England:

Sean O'Hara at Leasowe/Meols/Hoylake is on 133 points, no additions from last month. 

Coastal South, England:

A typically slow period on the south coast, June can feel a bit do or die here and it certainly felt that way this month, with no one adding a large number of points. Jacob Spinks still in the pole position on 258 points at Dungeness Bird Observatory, with finding a Rose-coloured Starling amongst the flock of recently fledged Starlings the highlight. Kevin Reynolds is in second with 160 points, after having a mix of the seasons with a Woodchat Shrike and Green Sandpiper being the highlights. Amy Robjohns in third at Titchfield Haven, followed by Jonathan Burton at Chyngton Farm to Cuckmere Haven. Kevin Reynolds on his Teignmouth Window patch added a few points with Manx Shearwater and Sparrowhawk. In the 10km league, Jacob was the first to break the 300 points barrier nationally, ending the month on 302 points with his 3km additions. Bob Ford at Weymouth is now on 175 points in second and Amy Robjohns on the Solent in third with 143 points. 

Estuarine:

A very quiet month in these league, with the only participant to add points being Peter Hazelwood at Oldbury Power Station, who saw his first Marsh Tit on patch in eight years. June is a classic month for wandering Marsh Tits, and a nice record to boot. This leaves Peter in second, trailing Gordon Hodgson at Frampton, Splatt and Saul Warth who is still on 155 points.

Islands:

Probably the hottest league of the month. David Parnaby has jumped up four places, taking the lead with him at Fair Isle with 216 points, after having a momentous June, as Pallas's Reed Bunting and Scop's Owl graced the island plus a lingering Great Reed Warbler. As well as finding Eastern Subalpine Warbler and Nightjar in the garden. John Bowler at Balephuil on 206 points, is now in second, after being the first to break the two hundred barrier in this minileague. David Roche at Papa Westray has added a few new new highlights including Scaup, Crossbill and Canada Goose. Nearby Steve Dudley on Westray ended the first half of the year on 167 points, with his June best birds being Crossbill and Curlew Sandpiper. Sean Morris's Isle of Rum patches, Kilmory and Kinlock end up on 109 and 98 points respectively, the latter 84% comparitive score. In the 10km league, John Bowler on Tirree on 223 points, with just three additions this month, all quality birds with Pomarine and Long-tailed Skua, as well as Crossbill. Steve Dudley really not far behind on 209 points, covering Westray also added three bird in June with the two aforementioned 3km ticks as well as Glossy Ibis while Sean Morris on the Isle of Rum added Osprey, putting him on 130 points. Mark Lawlor, Hommet to Rousse on Gurnsey still on 98 points, with the best in the league comparitive score of 93%.

Pallas's Reed Bunting, David Parnaby

Inland Scotland: 

A bit of change in this league, with Alex Ash at Kilmacolm extending his lead, they are now on 86 points. Lee Hesp at Strathyre picked up Kingfisher, putting him now on 53 points. There is no change however in the 10km league, with Mike Hodgkin at Penicuik still in front with 116 points.

Coastal Scotland:

An incredibly tight and competitive, probably my favourite still. Rich Arthurs and Andrew Whewell are both on the top spot, with 134 points at Gullane/Aberlady Bay and North Berwick East respectively. The latters highlights for the month were Quail and Mediterreanean Gull. The next three places are in a gap of only six points behind them, with Rob Hughes at Nybster, Caithness on 130, Andrew Whitehouse at Girdle Ness and Torry on 129 and Nick Littlewood at Portsoy on 128. Nina O'Hanlon sits comfortably in sixth on 106 points above Rob Hughes' other two patches, John O'Groats and Frenswick which are on 86 and 84 points. In the 10km league, Dylan Daunt is on 154 species but doesn't have a points totalled submitted for this month but just this alone puts him in the lead. Rob Hughes at Nybster is on 151 points, five points ahead of Rich Arthurs at Gullane. Nina O'Hanlon, also at Nybster, is on 128 points, ahead of Graham Howie at Carberry Farmland, who is on 116 points. 

Inland Wales:

No change in this league compared to last month. Please update or fill in your scores ready for next months review!

Coastal Wales:

No change on last month, with Alex Jones and Peter Howlett still neck and neck on the same number of points with 97. 

Inland Ireland:

No change in this league compared to last month. Please update or fill in your scores ready for next months review! 

Under 25s: 

Jack Pettit is leading the charge in the Under 25's league at Spurn Bird Observatory, now on the highest score of the season so far with 276 points having found 

having self found Golden Oriole, two Marsh Warblers, two Roseate Terns and a second Cory's Shearwater of the year. Jacob Spinks is second at Dungeness Bird Observatory, with 258 points scored a highlight day was finding a Bee-eater, a summer plumaged Great Northern Diver migrating overland and a Rose-coloured Starling in the space of a few hours, a Serin then dropped in the next day! Will Scott at Bempton Cliffs is in third on 130 points, very quickly trailed by Freddie Matthews at Winchester who is on 129 points after noting Crossbill, Black Redstart and Ring-necked Parakeet. William Lambourne is slowly creeping up a total at Much Marcle, but all hopes are on for the autumn there. 

A huge thanks to everyone who has taken part and updated their scores, it truly is great to see what participants find and get up to on their patches. Please do remember to keep your scores and highlights up to date, so we can keep producing this monthly review. We will always download scores at 8pm on the 7th of the month, to allow plenty of time for your scores and highlights to be submitted. 

Happy Birding this autumn! 

Patchwork Challenge team