5th March - rain period first thing, showers and sunny spells later, mod-fresh SW, 10C

Another very changeable day, feeling cool at times, countryside has lots of standing water pools, but there are lots of signs of Spring, daffodils, young leaves opening, Blackthorn blossom, Ladybirds and so on, if you look for them.

About mid-night last night, when checking the in-lamb ewes, there was a 'large' Toad outside the door, I snapped with my phone.  I moved it on so it was not walked on in the dark.

After lunch I decided to brave the showers and wind and headed off to Stanford reservoir.  The water level is now even lower with much shore and islets beginning to show.  The low water is still attractive to the ducks with really good numbers of all the expected species and a record number of 70 Goosanders. Goldeneye, Wigeon and Pochard are in good numbers and Teal are becoming more numerous, 50+.  Best was the Long-tailed Duck and 'redhead' Smew are both still present, both are scarce visitors here so such long stayers are very unusual for this site.  Only Shoveler seemed low in number, I only saw 2.

8 Little Egrets and a Couple of Grey Heron were fishing.  A Green Sandpiper was preening then feeding along the waters edge.  It is hoped that as Spring migration progresses with the low water we have a good crop of waders dropping in.

The following photos give an idea of how the reservoir is looking now.  Also, with the showers and sunny spells, rainbows were numerous and stunning.