26th April - sunny spells, wintry showers pm, 9C, colder in showers, gusty north wind

The Mistle Thrushes are still battling against the Magpies which are after their nest, so far they seem to be succeeding in keeping them at bay.

A look at Stanford reservoir this afternoon, the gusty wintry showers kept most of the small birds well hidden, but a Whitethroat and other common warblers were singing at times.

The Greenshank, Ringed Plover, Dunlin and Long-tailed Duck were all still present.  The most amazing sight was at least a 1000 hirundines (mostly Sand Martins, lots of Swallows and lower numbers of House Martins) were feeding over and along the reservoir area.  I had hoped there would be a Swift, but did not find one.

Greenshank (photo Chris Hubbard)