While the mean temperature for August was a couple of degrees lower than July, the mean temperature this August was identical to the mean temperature of last August. This August was drier than last August with about 20 per cent less rain. The relatively dry summer continued. Towards the end of the month, with slightly lower temperatures, there was just a hint of the approach of autumn.
Swallow – look out for the last ones this year.
Photo Carl Reavey
Having said that, summer visitors were still to the fore including: a swift over Torrylinnwaterfoot on 2nd, a spotted flycatcher in Merkland Wood on 3rd, two common sandpiper in Blackwaterfoot on 10th, 26 willow warbler in Corriecravie on 11th, one grasshopper warbler in Shiskine on 12th, 20 sand martin in Glen Catacol on 15th, a chiffchaff in Brodick on 20th, 75 swallow in Sliddery on 11th and 120 house martin in Shannochie on 30th. Please try to give me your last record for swallow and house martin this year. Last year there were October records for both species.