20th May - showers, 14C, SW light-fresh breeze

Brandon marsh;  I have not been to Brandon marsh since since January, so this afternoon I visited.  On East marsh there was c10 Lapwings in their territories, 2 Oystercatchers, a single Redshank, a Ringed and Little Ringed plover, all of these may be breeding here.

 Little ringed Plover

 Little ringed Plover

Ringed Plover

A few duck were present, Gadwall, Mallard, Tufted Duck and a single Wigeon, several Common terns are also nesting. .  Swifts, Swallows and Sand Martins were busy flying around, the Sand Martins were nesting is the special bank built for them and Swallows were nesting under the building roof, Swifts nest away from the reserve.  

A good variety of warblers  was heard, including Garden Warbler and Whitethroat, as well as Cetti's.  On the bottom marsh a Heron was very patiently stalking prey and a Little Egret flew in to start hunting for food.

A Cuckoo called a few times, a Great-spotted Woodpecker was calling in the wood and a couple of Buzzards flew over.

Generally, the cool unsettled weather kept many birds uncover.  A Fox trotted across the old tip area where Rabbits sit out and feed.