17th May - steady rain all day, light NW, 11C

At last a wet day, which the land needed and we should see, lots of new fresh growth over the next few days.  thus year the "Oak was 'out' (in leaf) before the Ash" so we should have a splash, which seems to have been the case.  However, in the last 3 days the Ash has really come 'out'.

Stanford reservoir; After lunch, with the promise of a short dry spell, I visited the reservoir, although the dry spell never came.  Still it was worth it, on the mud in the inlet area there was 25 Ringed Plover, 13 Sanderling and 12 Dunlin.  A super group of waders no doubt force down by the rain and cloud.

Mixed Waders (C Hubbard)

Further along a Jack Snipe was at the waters edge next to rocks, feeding a bobbing away.  this is most unusual to have here at this time of year.   Through the rain I tried to check a photo, very poor, so have also added one taken yesterday by Chris.

Spotting the Jack Snipe on the far bank, in the rain and against a rock was tricky

Jack Snipe (C Hubbard)

A Cuckoo was calling despite the rain - life goes on. Over the water there was a large number of hirundines 500-1000 House martins was amazing, plus 50 Sand Martins and c250 Swallows.