7th May - sunny, 17C, light NNE wind

To the west of the village first thing a Carrion Crow chased a Raven off as it flew through its territory.

A look around the local lake this morning indicated that there was a good number of Reed Warblers singing. A couple of Whitethroat, a Lesser Whitethroat, Chiffchaff, Blackcap and Willow Warbler were all singing. The Mute Swan pair were both on the water and I could not see the state of the nest.  At least two brrods of young Coot were with their parents on the water and neighbouring Little Grebes were still disputing territory.

Things were a little quieter at Stanford reservoir today but still plenty to see.  The warblers were singing well and the Cuckoo was busy around the area.  8 Greenshank and c15 Lapwing were feeding.  A pair of Oystercatchers were busy preening.

Two Bar-tailed Godwit were busy feeding on the shore.

I was able to find Whooper Swan again, in the company of Mute Swans roosting on the shore.

Near the inlet end a Grey Heron was standing tall, with a yellow bill showing well.

As I was leaving another visitor spotted a butterfly which was a Red Admiral, my first of the year.

Now the evenings are staying light later the birds are singing later, especially the Blackbirds, like this one next to the church in the Yew tree this evening.