30th April - chilly start, mostly sunny morning, becoming cloudy from NW, giving wintry shower squalls, 11C max

This morning four Yellowhammer and Tree Sparrow were again at the feed station, a Nuthatch visited often. We still seem to have only four Swallows back in the village, I think the cool wintry showers is not providing the food for them, see later comment.

I visited Draycote Water this afternoon, I arrived in a very wintry squall (rain/snow/hail, very gusty wind), after sitting this out it brightened up and I set off along Farborough bank hoping that the weather would bring in a selection of Terns, distantly 2 Common Tern were seen.  On the leeward grass side of the bank there was a good number of Yellow Wagtails, Pied Wagtails, Goldfinch and Linnet.  The Yellow Wagtails looked so smart, I had to take lots of record photos.

Around the reservoir lots of Warblers were singing (Chiffchaff, Willow, Blackcap, Lesser and Common Whitethroat), at least 3 Treecreepers were singing too.

A single Oystercatcher was present, and 3+ Common Sandpipers were around the edge.  One the rocky dam near the withdraw tower 2 Wheatear were feeding.

The usual ducks and geese were present, some of the Mallard now have ducklings, which is good to see.

Over the water there was hundreds of Swallows, House, Sand Martins and at least 100 Swifts.  The reason was there were lots of insects, midges etc out, sometimes you had to walk through a swarm.  I reckon that the Swallows are staying at the water bodies where the food is until it warms up and insect food becomes more widely available.  Unfortunately, the hoped for terns never appeared, another day then.  A friendly Herring Gull sat on the wall, often overlooked, but very smart in their summer plumage.

I made it back to the start as another squall crept ever closer, some brave soles were just heading off as the rain and wind started.

29th April - fresh W wind, feeling chilly, 9C max, sunny intervals, occasional wintry shower pm

Birds are still coming to the feed station, several Yellowhammers and Tree Sparrows (4+).

I visited the reservoir this afternoon, the cold wind kept a lot of birds and insects undercover but there was things about.  Migration is continuing despite the poor weather, the cycle continues as evidenced by 6 Common Sandpipers and a Dunlin that were on the dam/overflow, feeding and resting.  Can you spot spot 4 of them and the Dunlin in the record photo on the dam.

A single drake Goldeneye is still present with the Tufted Duck, for how much longer I wonder.

Over the water some c200 Swallows, c150 Sand Martins and c100 House Martins were feeding.  There was not an awful lot of warbler song, but they were trying, 2 Lesser Whitethroats were 'rattling' away.

A Kingfisher dashed off down the river, a flash of colour is always great to see.

Close by, on the adjacent field, a hare was feeding and a cock Pheasant strutted about.

28th April - Another night frost, sunny morning clouding over and NW wind. increasing, 10C. Wind swing SW late pm, thunderstorm 1900h

Yesterday morning, I wished I had my camera, there were 5 Jackdaws on the back of a heifer, that was lying down, pulling out beaks full of 'winter coat' hair as fast as they could - a great nest lining.

The Mallard duck is still sitting on her nest atop of the bales.

A Heron this morning was hunting around the top pond.  At lunch time the Sparrowhawk made a foray through the village gardens.

In the evening I popped to Shawell lagoons, this was cut sort by a thunderstorm, however I did see a Common Sandpiper, a Little-ringed Plover, 8 Swallows, plus the usual residents and Gulls resting before going off to roost at Draycote reservoir.

27th April - night frost last night. Chilly but sunny start, clouding over with wintry showers pm, cool N W 4-10C

This afternoon I visited the local reservoir, hoping the weather held reasonable, here is some of what I found.

Two Common Sandpiper were on the dam with a Pied Wagtail.  The drake Goldeneye was still present and a Gadwall. Over the water about 100 each of Swallow, House Martin and Sand Martin were hawking, and a single Swift made occasional appearances.  A Cuckoo called near the main reed bed.  Two, maybe three Grey Heron were standing around the waters edge.

Two Whitethroat and Lesser Whitethroats were singing, along with a single Garden Warbler, and a Grasshoppper Warbler 'reeled' briefly.  More than 20 Tree Sparrows were at the feed station, along with Tits and Chaffinch.   Four Linnets were flying around, spending time on the neighbouring fallow field were at least one Lapwing has a territory.

A Hare hurried away after spotting me.

26th April - night frost followed by sunny spells and wintry showers, cold northerly making 10C feel like 4C

A chilly day, with rain, hail and snow showers at times, then sunny spells  - which if, out of the wind were pleasant.

I had a meeting in London today, so I made my route pass through Hyde Park from Lancaster Gate past the Serpentine to Exhibition road, I managed to see 37 species including; several singing Blackcap, a chiffchaff, one Cetti's Warbler.  Coal, Blue, Great and Long-tailed Tits,  Lots of Ring-necked Parakeets, some exploring holes in the holes.  A Green Woodpecker and Nuthatch called, a Treecreeper was searching the tree trunks for food.

On, or near, the lake were 2 Eygptian Geese, Canada and Greylag Geese, Tufted Duck, A single Pochard and Gadwall, 4 Great-crested Grebes, Coot, Moorhen and Mute Swans.  Three Grey Herons were standing near the edge.

Over the lake 6 Swift and c15 House Martins were hawking.  It's great to see these in central London.

I also happened on a guy that was out photographing birds and wildlife in the park, he seemed to be regular there, he was able to point out a tree where Tawny Owls nest, today they were not visible due to the cold weather.  However, when they have young it should be able to spot them sitting in the tree.

25th April - sunny spells, wintry showers, cool NW breeze, 9C

A quick look at the local reservoir this morning produced a Common Sandpiper on the dam, a Cuckoo calling, a male Goldeneye still, more Sedge Warblers singing, 2 Grey Heron, 2 singing Song Thrush, a pair of Treecreepers and Bullfinch, 4 Linnets (2 pair).  Hawking over the water were a good number of hirundines, c300 Sand Martins, c200 Swallows and c100 House Martin.

At lunch a Sparrowhawk was circling a bush in the garden very close and fast trying to flush possible prey.

24th April - mostly cloudy, cool northwest light wind, 9C

The Robin, that I noted had nested in a straw bale, now has young and was busy collecting food this morning.

A quick visit to the local lake this morning did not produce too much, a possible Garden Warbler sang briefly.  A Buff-tailed Bumblebee spent a long time on the ground, eating/chewing something to its taste.

I made it to Eyebrook reservoir hoping that some migrants would be present.  Well, over the water there were many hundreds, maybe c1500 hirundines, Swallows, House and Sand Martins, these were very busy feeding and sometimes resting where ever they could, the reeds, bushes and dead branches in the water.

An Osprey flew in and hunted for fish, it did not succeed and flew off.  It, or another returned a little later and this time caught a fish  before flying off with it. A couple of Common tern were on the raft.  Four Teal, several Tufted Duck, Gadwall and a male Wigeon were off shore.

While on the bridge over the eye brook a female Blackbird was literally at my feet collecting nest material. The male was in the nearby Willow occasionally disputing territory with another male, the brook being the invisible border..  The female kept crossing between each side which I'm sure added to their tension.

Several Yellow Wagtails were flying around, eventually they came close to me. One sat in a tree top before joining others on the grass, the males were a stunning bright yellow.

Then, a Short-eared Owl appeared at the inlet end and hunted there before moving off over the fields looking for food.  This has been seen here for a few days appearing late afternoon and evening.

23rd April - mostly cloudy, 10C, cool light northerly

In the village Janet mentioned they have renovated their pond, they found five Smooth Newt which were safety returned.  This was Good to hear as one does not see them too often nowadays.

A look at Shawell lagoons this afternoon, just missing two Caspian Gulls that Carl had seen a little earlier.  Still, there were a reasonable number of gulls present to look at and try to work out what they all were.  Gull plumage is not easy, some have 3 or 4-year plumages before acquiring full adult plumage, to add to this there a considerable variation in colour, size and pattern, plus hybrids are frequent.  Sometime you just have to say 'I don't know'.

Also, present was two Common Sandpipers, the Shelduck pair, 4 Swallows, apart from Mallard other duck species were absent today.  A Green Woodpecker, Chiffchaff and Lomg-tailed Tits, Jackdaw, Rook and the usual Buzzards all made an appearance.

22nd April - cloudy, cool NE light wind, 10C

We are in a cool northerly airflow for a few days now, however this last week has seen a great change in the trees and other vegetation opening up.

I visited Brandon marsh this afternoon, due to the weather things were quieter than would normally the case, so it makes finding wildlife a little harder.  The main bird was a Cuckoo that called several times, there is something special about hearing the Cuckoo.  Sand and House Martins with Swallows hawked over the east marsh.  Two Little-ringed Plover were on the island with Oystercatcher, Redshank and Lapwing.  Two Common Tern have taken up territory on a raft.  Duck included Teal, Tufted, Mallard and Shoveler.

Blackcap, Willow Warbler, Sedge Warbler and Chiffchaff were singing.  Blue, Great, Coal and Long-tailed Tits were all seen and Cetti's Warbler was heard.  Two Mistle Thrush were in Horsetail glade and one later was singing new the car park.  Green and Great-spotted Woodpeckers were seen and heard as they disputed territory.

In all 47 species were seen on this rather grey day.

21st April - sunny spells, becoming very warm pm, reaching 19C.

A Meadow Pipit flew over and a Green Woodpecker called first thing to the east of the village.  Goldcrest was singing from the church Yew tree and a couple of Canada Geese flew over towards Newham.

I went to a sale being held in Leicester's Abbey Park, I had time for a walk around some of it and found at least 27 bird species, including Nuthatch, Treecreeper, several sing Blackcap, two pairs of Mistle Thrush, Long-tailed Tits, Blue, Great and Coal Tits. Chaffinch singing. On the lake/river there were Canada Geese, Mallards, Tufted Duck, Moorhen and Coot.  For a city location and moderate habitat not a bad haul for a short walk.

20th April - grass frost followed by sunny day, warming pm to 17C

Another sunny day - what's happening!

A Mallard duck flew out of the big bales under the storage barn in the fields, on the second bale up we found a nest with 9 eggs.  Fortunately, we can leave the bales and she seems to be sitting tight.  How she found this place that is disturbed every day one wonders.

We have 3 or 4 Swallows back in the village now.  One was sitting on an out twig of an Ash tree, about 40ft up, singing away - until a Blue Tit chased it off.  Not seen this before as they usually sit singing on the telegraph wires.

An evening visit to the local reservoir produce two Munjac enjoying the sun, a buck and doe.

Notable birds were a pair of Gadwall and a single drake Goldeneye.  Two Lesser Whitethroats sang and my first site Sedge Warbler for the year.  Four Yellow Wagtails sat in the top of the popular trees, a favourite spot for them, then they flew off into the adjacent field.  A Stock Dove flew over in to the wood and heard singing later.

A Treecreeper was calling and singing, I was able to get a reasonable photo - when I looked at the photo I could see the bird had been ringed, digits 67 were legible, I am hoping I can trace some info about the bird.  Note; The bird was ringed last year at this side.

19th April Rutland Water - Sunny and warm, 16C

A trip to Rutland water was on the cards today, over 70 species of bird were seen/heard.  Many insects were responding to the warm weather, a nice selection of early butterflies were seen, including Small Tortoiseshell, Peacock, Orange-tip and Brimstone, like the one hiding under this leaf.

Lagoon IV is often good for waders, today 2 Whimbrel were feeding on the far bank, a Greenshank fed in the shallows and several Dunlin and Ringed Plovers were around the island edges.  Oystercatchers and Redshank were busy protecting their territories. Two Osprey were occupying a nest pole and were often flying overhead.

On the lagoon bank a male Wheatear was feeding and a male Yellow Wagtail was feeding on an island which was attracting several Common Terns.  

One the water there was a good array of duck, including Teal, Gadwall, Shelduck,still c20 Wigeon, maybe some will stay the summer, 4 Pochard, a pair of Pintail and c20 Shoveler were seen.  Egyptian Geese are becoming quite numerous now, and two pairs had duckings.

A good number of warblers are now present, with Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler and Blackcap everywhere. Sedge Warblers were singing in the reeds, and a single Reed Warbler was heard too.  A single Lesser Whitethroat was singing from the hedge.

From the 360 hide a Common Sandpiper was seen feeding, also the Sand Martin colony was very busy with many entering the nesting holes.  From the Snipe hide a single Curlew and Black-tailed Godwit was found feeding on the shore.  Several pairs of Oystercatchers were around the reserve, many sitting on eggs or feeding.

Two Little Egret were seen and several Grey Herons were feeding in the shallows and wet meadows.

Red Kite, Buzzard and a distant Raven were enjoying the thermals today. 

Great crested Grebes were on several of the lagoons, like this one photographed from the 360 hide.

In all a good day at sunny Rutland water.

18th April - Sunny spells, steady NW feeling cool 12C

A quick morning visit to the local reservoir produced first records for the year there for Lesser Whitethroat and Yellow Wagtail and for me 3 Common Tern.  A single drake Pochard, Goldeneye and Shoveler were present too among the Tufted Duck.  A Green Woodpecker was feeding on the earth side of the dam. About 20 each of Swallow and House Martins and a few Sand Martin hawked insects over the water.

An evening look at Shawell lagoons came up with a Dunlin, looking smart in near summer plumage and migrant Little-ringed Plover.  The Shelduck pair were present and 2 Little Grebe were busy chasing each other.

17th April - A night frost, quickly melted away by clear sunshine early, then clouding to sunny intervals, light NW, 11C max

0730h, a Lesser Whitethroat was singing in the Blackthorn hedge behind the church, this then moved off south along the further hedges and trees.  The first of the year for me.

Great-spotted Woodpeckers seems to be in every available space with drumming, calls or chasing seen regularly around the local woods and spinneys.  Similarly, the Green Woodpecker can be frequently heard calling, probably 2 pairs in the area.  These Woodpeckers have really done well surviving the recent run of mild winters to give a good number in the area.

A visit to the local wood late afternoon produced singing Blackcap, Chiffchaff and a Nuthatch.  Buzzards were flying over their territory.

A count of the Rookery along the coal pit lane was about the same as last year, so the Rooks are maintaining their numbers locally.  You can hear young calling in some of the nests now, how they manage to successfully nest high up during the high winds and rain we have had is a natural winder in itself.

16th April - a cold wet morning (4C), sunny spells and showers (rain, sleet, snow) pm, max 10

Six Canada Geese flew over the village eastward first thing.

Late afternoon a Kestrel was in the tree top next to coal pit lane to the east.

Generally, felt like winter has returned!

15th April - light rain all morning, eased off during the afternoon, then back again, cool 9C max, light NE wind

The morning was a washout, fortunately the afternoon did give an opportunity to get out, so I made it to Pitsford Water nature reserve. This was fortunate as a Wood Warbler had recently been found in the trees tops by the fishing lodge.  It had not been seen for over half an hour when I got there, but I decided to walk slowly around the area - all quite.  Still, I waited patiently and finally its song was heard high above.  Further peering finally revealed the bird moving in the tree tops.  Good views were had, and it sang a few more time.
I then moved to the west side of the reserve and walked a section there.  At first the area seemed fairly quite, but slowly birds were found.  Near the duck trap there were Yellowhammers, Reed Buntings and 3+ Tree Sparrows in the Blackthorn.  In the Sheep field a single male Yellow Wagtail was feeding.

On the water there were 4 Gadwall and 2 drake Shoveler, a single female Goldeneye was still present.  Over the water at least 100 Swallows and a small number of House Martins.  A pair of Oystercatchers were on one raft, probably with a nest.  In all nearly 50 species were seen.

14th April - cloudy morning, sunny spells pm and warm, 16C max, light breeze

I made a visit to Misterton church area this morning, to count the Rooks nests as part of my annual survey,  it has a good variety of mature wood, lakes and pasture and can attract migrants and other wildlife.  2, maybe 3, Nuthatch were calling from territories, a male Blackcap was collecting nest material, in between spells of singing.  Other summer warblers and usual resident birds were singing and defending territories.

Later I visited the local lake area, a couple of Small Tortoiseshell butterflies were out, and Toads were croaking in the reeds.  Birdwise the usual candidates were present, but surprisingly quite.  Several patches of Cowslip are just coming into bloom.

13th April - sunny spells, light breeze, warm 15C

Best spring day yet for sun and warmth.

First thing a Red-legged Partridge was on the road by the allotments - they have no road sense!

A evening visit to the local reservoir produced a Munjac deer out in the open.  On the water there were 9 Goldeneye, a male Pochard and Gadwall, c25 Mute Swans, 50+ Tufted duck and few each of Greylag and Canada Geese.  Generally quite, Reed Buntings were singing and a few Linnets were gathering to roost.  A single Common Sandpiper was on the dam.

12th April - loudy, misty morning, slowly clearing to high cloud, odd shower later, warming to 13C, light breeze SW

At about 0730 something flushed the birds in the village, including 12 Goldfinch, Pied Wagtails and a few Starling, presumably the Sparrowhawk dashed through.

In the long spinney to the west a Blackcap, Chiffchaff and Coal Tit were singing loudly.

I had a message that 2 Sandwich Tern were at the local reservoir, an unusual occurrence, but I could not go straight off to see.  I managed a brief visit later, but too later.  However, there were some other interest, namely on the dam a male Wheatear and 2 Common Sandpipers, both are birds of passage here. A rather distant record shot of the Wheatear, that is tricky to spot against the background.

Also, at the reservoir there were 2 male Treecreepers singing, 6 Goldeneye, two pairs of Shoveler and the single male Pochard.  A mixed flock, about 60, of Swallows, Sand Martins and House Martins fed overhead.

During the afternoon I popped in to Brandon Marsh, there were many Chifffchaff, Willow Warblers and Blackcap singing.  On the marshes there were at least 4 Redshank and Oystercatcher, 60 Shoveler, a pair of Pintail, a few Teal, 5 Gadwall, 2 Shelduck and 2 Great-crested Grebe.  2 pairs of Lapwing were holding territory, a single Black tailed Godwit was feeding on the Teal pool.

A pair of Little grebe were near the Carlton hide.  Four Stock Dove were in their usual trees from the Ted Jury hide.  A splendid Moorhen swam in front of the hide showing off its colours well.

A Cetti's Warbler was singing and showing very well in front of the East Marsh hide, these are usually very difficult to see as they stay in cover.

11th April - cloudy, light-mod easterly, dull afternoon, light rain later, 14C

First thing a male and female Sparrowhawk were circling over their territory to the east of the village,  late afternoon one flew low over the village being chased by 3 Pied Wagtails.

During the morning I popped to the local lake, a couple of new sightings. First a singing Sedge Warbler in the reeds/scrub. Secondly, a Roe Deer was disturbed in the large teasel patch, initially disturbed by a cock Pheasant that crashed out of cover.  It's very unusual to see a Roe Deer in this area where habitat for them is not ideal.   Of course we have plenty of the ubiquitous Mumjac Deer.  If you go on the Mammel Society web site they have maps were you can enter and see sighting across the country.  Shame it was so nervous, not allowing a photo.

Other birds around the lake included 2 pairs of Bullfinch, 5 Linnets flew over, Willow Warbler and Chiffchaff, Long-tailed Tit, pair and a Green Woodpecker called.
  

10th April - ground frost last night, sunny morning, becoming cloudy and a brisk SE wind, 10C

A Blackcap, Chiffchaff and Coal Tit were singing loudly this morning from the thick hedge near the church.

I visited the local reservoir this afternoon, the wind was really blowing making the wildlife stay in shelter.  In a blackthorn thicket that was offering a lot of shelter there was several Chiffchaffs and Willow Warblers searching for food.

On the water there were 10 Goldeneye still, a pair of Shoveler, only 1 male Pochard, many Tufted Duck and Mallard.  There are sone 20+ none breeding Mute Swams and 3-4 breeding pairs.  Like this pair that has built there nest, with eggs, a couple of yards from the path.

A flock of about 20 Linnets were present on the neighbouring field, a pair of Bullfinch and Goldfinch were also in suitable nesting habitat.  A Sparrowhawk dashed through, chased by 2 Swallows, later 3 were over the water with 3 House Martins.

Butterflies were in short supply, only 2 Peacock and 1 Comma, quite a few Bees were about despite the wind.

9th April - sunny spells, clouding over with light showers pm, 10C, light SW

The Blackcap was singing more often and louder today behind the church.

News came through late yesterday of 2 male Ring Ouzels near Burbage, so this morning I went to see them. They were feeding a little distantly in horse paddocks.  Good views were had, however, the heat haze was quite bad and made a photo impossible, maybe there will be further birds pass through on their migration.

A lady groomed her horse in the field, leaving a pile of horse hair, this immediately attracted several Jackdaws that gathered as much as they could, no doubt  for their nests.

Immediately after a snack I went to see the Great Grey Shrike that has been on the Warren Hills (Leices) for a couple of days.  It was showing really well, again too far for a decent photo, but it was great to see this scarce winter visitor to the midlands.

Back at Shawell Lagoons Carl had another Iceland Gull, which had disappeared by the time I got there, on the nearby pools there were 2 Little-ringed Plover.

8th April - sunny intervals am, shores pm, 10C

I had a quick look at the new.pools again this morning, 2 Little-ringed Plover and Green Sanpiper were still present.  A variety of the common birds were around too, the Buzzards being particularly noisey.

Frolesworth manor lake was quite too, but I did see a single Swallow here, they nest in the local buildings. Also, a Lapwing on the adjacent field that may have taken up territory here. There is quite a good number of Linnetsand Yellowhammers I this area. In the mid-distance I spotted a Red Kite just disappearing below the tree line.  I have heard they are seen regularly in this area and maybe stay the summer.

7th April - cloudy light showers clearing during the day, cool initially 10C, light NW

A Blackcap was doing its best to sing from cover first thing, and a Green Woodpecker called, both not at there best in the wet and cool weather.  Greenfinches continually sing and give their display flights around the village, no matter what the weather.

In the evening I visited Shawell lagoons, not too many gulls were present, but a 1winter Yellow-legged Gulls was amongst the Herring and Lesser-black backed Gulls.  A Green Woodpecker was present, they like the banks, which are good for ants.  A Mistle Thrush dropped in, one has been heard singing a little way off.   Two Little-ringed Plover were found after awhile, they may have flew in from some new nearby pools which had 4 LRPs seen earlier by Carl.  A single Swallow and 3 Sand Martins flew around the lagoons for a while.

Afterwards I popped back to the new pools and 2 LRPs were present, and also a Green Sandpiper.  These pools look like they have good potential, I shall keep an eye on them and find out more whether they will be permanent or temporary.

6th April - by mid-morning the wind had become blusterly, NW and much cooler with showers, some hail.

Due to jobs and weather no obs today.

5th April - sunny spells, light SW, 12C

This morning I made a couple of stops at two places, firstly Frolesworth manor lake, which can attract quite a good selection of birds over the year.  Most noteworthy I found 3 Willow Warblers in the bordering hedgerow, occasionally giving muted song, one kept still long enough to attempt a photo.  Given this is not their usual habitat, it seems these are migrants that have decided to have a rest and feed.

Also, present was 1 great-crested Grebe on the lake, 2 Canada Geese and 5 Tufted Duck, plus several Coots.

The next stop was the local lake near the village, here also a single Willow Warbler was singing, and 2 Chiffchaff.  The Little grebes were very noisy 'trilling' away.  A pair of Bullfinch were present and ~15 Goldfinch were feeding on Teasels.

It was nice to see a Small Tortoiseshell butterfly making the most of the sun.

A quick evening visit to the local reservoir produced 27 Goldeneye, soon these will head-off north.

There was about 20 each of Swallow and Sand Martin, also one House Martin.  A Cetti's Warbler sang several times.

Driving past the Little Owl tree I was able to see it was sitting out surveying the scene, so I was able to get a photo through the window, without bothering it.

 

4th April - mostly cloudy, showers late pm, 12C max, light - fresh S/SW

A fairly quite day in terms of new sightings, about 1630h ~20 Goldfinch circled over the village and settled in nearby tree tops.

I made a quick stop at the local reservoir this afternoon, 2 Kingfishers were in their favourite area, one chasing the other before disappearing from view.  Two Goosanders (a male and female) were present, also 14 Goldeneye were counted, otherwise little else new was on the water, although there does seem more Great-crested Grebes than last year, hopefully some will nest.  8 Swallows, 2 House Martins and a Sand Martin were feeding, several Chiffchaffs were about.

3rd April - cloudy morning, sunny spells later, occasionally low cloud/dull, light S/SW wind, 14C

This morning a single Meadow Pipit flew over north, a Blackcap gave short bursts of song on the old disused railway.  At the feed station a Nuthatch, 4 Tree Sparrows and 10 Yellowhammers were feeding, 2 male Great-spotted Woodpeckers were disputing who should feed on the nut feeder.

Two Mistle thrushes were quite noisy, probably because they were very actively collecting nest material and taking it to a nearby tree.

An afternoon visit to Eyebrook reservoir was made to see what migrants could be found.  Two Yellow Wagtail were searching the rushes along the waters edge and a single Little-ringed Plover was feeding on the exposed ground at the inlet end.   ~20 Swallows appeared, together with a similar number of Sand Martins and 3 House Martins.

On the water there were still 2 Goldeneye, 4 Shelduck, quite a few Gadwall and a good number of Teal, Mallard, Tufted Duck, Common and Black-headed Gulls.  A Grey Heron and 2 Little Egrets were feeding at the waters edge, 2 Red Kite passed over and a Kestrel was hunting the rough grass.  Linnets, a Bullfinch pair and Chaffinch were seen, on the bird feeder at least 2 Tree Sparrows and 2 Greenfinch were present.  A Green Woodpecker repeatedly called from the woodland.

In the long rough grass, around the reservoir, there were many Pheasants, the cocks often displaying and accompanied by one or more hen bird.

2nd April - cloudy morning, becoming mostly sunny and warm, max 16C during the afternoon, light SW

Finally, a Chiffchaff singing from the tree tops along the disused railway east of the village, not to have heard one here in March is most unusual.  No Redwings or Fieldfares in the usual places near the village.

A visit to the local lake during the morning did not produce any further migrants, but nice to see 3 pairs of Little Grebe though.  While there Carl called to say he had found the colour ringed Baltic Gull at Shawell lagoons (he saw it a few days ago). This is the nominate race of the Lesser-black backed Gull, which occurs in some parts of north and eastern Europe, it can be very difficult to identify due to the plumage variation within the Lesser-black backed Gull group, but to find one that was ringed in a pure Baltic Gull colony in Norway removes any doubt.  In the photos I took, it is the bird near the front, you can just make out the ring and it appears a tone blacker than the Lesser-black backed gulls near to it, like the one just behind it that is stretching its neck up and calling.

For movement information on Baltic Gull (J727) and closer photos see Carls blog, 'bag a wild one'.

While at Shawell a small flock of Sand Martin moved through, a Great-crested Grebe and Shelduck pair were present.

I visited the local reservoir in the afternoon, the fishermen told me I had just missed a Red Kite.  The only migrants I found were a single Chiffchaff and Blackcap sang briefly intermittently.  For such a lovely afternoon it was remarkably quite, even the Cettis Warbler was singing quietly from cover.  At least 10 Goldeneye were still present, but only one (male) Pochard was seen.

No butterflies were spotted either, so hopefully they will be out next visit.

1st April - cloudy, light breeze/wind S//SW 11C

During the morning a couple of Fieldfare and single Redwing flew over the village, with a few more seen/heard later and a Great-spotted Woodpecker flew around the gardens.  Seven Starling were hanging around too.

A charm of ~10 Goldfinch buzzed about, while a male has been singing a lot, while perched in the church Horse chestnut.  The 'sticky buds' on this tree have begun to open over the last few days.

A male Sparrowhawk chased a Blue Tit around a bush in the garden, without success.