29th April - mostly cloudy, light wind SSW, 13C

This morning early a Yellow Wagtail flew over westward, calling as it went.  Hopefully, we will have some stay to breed this year.

Back Stanford reservoir in the afternoon, where there is now have 2 Greenshank, sometimes they were feeding together.  Also, 3 each of Dunlin and Ringed Plover, the number of Lapwing at c15 was greater today than recently.  Also, 15 Common terns were present, many sitting on the spit that is now available with the low water, maybe a suitable place to nest, we shall see.

5 Shelduck, 1 drake Shoveler, 2 Pochard and the Long-tailed Duck were around the water.  The drake Long-tailed Duck was busy displaying and calling to a Tufted Duck which was interesting to see.  I could see at least 4 broods of mallard ducklings at one time, with no doubt more.  It seems to have been a good first brood this year, for once a dry Spring which did not flood the nests.

8 Little Egrets and a few Grey Herons were feeding around the inlet area.

We have a lot of nesting Reed Buntings around the reservoir this year, the males are often singing or defending their territories.

A flock of about 25 Linnet is still present, feeding on the adjacent fallow field and coming on to the mud or for a drink.

Warblers were showing well today with at least 4 garden Warblers, 2 Whitethroat and 1 Lesser Whitethroat, plus the other common warblers.