30th April - sunny spell am, cloudy pm, 16C, light steady SE wind

This morning a Greenfinch was by the spinney to the east of the village, seen it here before, may be nesting.  6 Starlings were feeding on the pasture with the sheep and several Goldfinches were scattered around the fields, we seem to have a good number this year.

With the wind turning to a southerly quarter overnight we were expecting that migration may pick up and so it proved to be.  Chris managed to get to Stanford reservoir early and soon reported finding a Black and Little Tern passing through, so off I went.

I soon was able to find the Black and Little Terns along with a good number of Common Terns, Chris had managed a couple of distant record photos.

Black Tern (photo C Hubbard)

Little tern (photo C Hubbard)

Two Bar-tailed Godwits were also present, then 6 more flew in.  Similarly a Greenshank was present, then more came in and we had 5 together.   We also had more Ring Plover, Dunlin and a Common Sandpiper and c12 Little-ringed Plover.  At one time a Sparrowhawk flew across the inlet and tried to catch a Ringed Plover/Dunlin that were in a flock roosting.

 Bar-tailed Godwit (C Hubbard)

5 Greenshank

Plenty of Whitethroat were singing today, along with the other expected warblers.  Two Goldcrest and a Treecreeper were singing too along the bypass path.

The Cuckoo was calling, on one occasion it landed on the spit and gave good views before flying off.

I shall soon be upgrading my digiscoping tools to allow the iPhone camera to be used, this should help with getting lots of record shots, its work for Chris.

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.

28th April - mostly high cloud, little breeze/still, 13C

This morning 2 Goldfinch now appear to have taken up residence in the fields to the east, and a super looking male Linnet was present.

In the afternoon I visited Stanford reservoir, almost immediately I could hear the Cuckoo singing.  It kept moving around the area, unfortunately I could not get a decent photo, only a distant one when it perched in the top of a Popular tree. if you look carefully you can make it out just left of middle top.

At the inlet 2 Little-ringed and a single Ringed Plover, 2 Dunlin and 6 Lapwing were present.  Further on the Greenshank was feeding in the bay as was a Whimbrel.  The Whimbrel was feeding along the shore and eventually walked in front of the hide.

A Garden Warbler was singing nearby and I waited to see if I could get a photo, but it never showed well enough. However, a few hirundines were flying around over and on looking closer I could see my first Swift of the year with them.

A couple of Pochard and tufted Duck were present, the Long-tailed Duck was still with them, its been here 4 months now, a record stay.

There was plenty to see today and I managed to see about 55 species.

27th April - mostly cloudy, odd shower pm, cool light NW, 9C

Just at dinner Pete called and said he had been watching 50+ Arctic terns at Stanford reservoir.  This is quite an exceptional number any where in the Midlands, so off to see.  making my way to view the bay area I could see the Arctic terns, clearly more than 50, i counted 73, well initially at least.  Then Chris made it there and we were able to count more precisely, we made 110+.  It was amazing to see so many Arctic Terns here, a record count for Northamptonshire.  To watch them so easily and close was super to allow their plumage characters to be examined well.  Their flight en mass was quite spectacular and probably the best sighting I have had at the reservoir.  After a while one grpoup of about 50 flew up, calling loudly and then headed off NE.  later in the evening about 50 were reported at Rutland Water, could they had been these that left here?  Several other Midland waters reported small numbers too, so a definite movement through the country.

Arctic Tern (photos Chris Hubbard)

Also present were the Long-tailed Duck, Greenshank, lots of Hirundines and 2 Yellow Wagtails.

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)

25th April - sunny spells until wintry showers in the evening, snow/rain and low temp 1C, gusty NW

I was planning to visit Stanford reservoir this evening and about to head off when news from Chris that a Greenshank and Hobby was present, so hoping they would be present when I got there.

I arrived in a wintry rain/snow shower and gusty cold wind.  Viewing the inlet area the Greenshank was not visible, however 7 Ringed Plover and 5 Dunlin were.  A considerable flock of Pied Wagtails, 25+, were also feeding in the same area.  Moving along further to view the narrows area the Greenshank was feeding here and then preening, it looked splendid.

Moving a little further to view over the main reservoir was a good move, over the water 300+ Sand Martin, c100 Swallows, c 20 House Martins, then from behind a Hobby flew over at high speed and tried to catch a hirundine, these all rapidly climbed high in to the sky to avoid the Hobby.  It was impressive to see the speed and agility of the Hobby, although it did not catch any prey on this occasion.  A Red Kite was seen flying east and a Sparrowhawk flew north over the reservoir.

Along the shore line a Common Snipe was resting, it started 'bobbing' similar to a Jack Snipe, but they do this occasionally.  At one time 12 yellow Wagtails could be seen along one stretch of the shore. The Shelduck pair were present resting.

It was no ideal for small birds to be singing, but Chiffchaff, Blackcap and Willow Warbler were giving it a good go, the a Whitethroat performed its flight song.

24th April - mostly cloudy, a few spots of rain, light - fresening NW

An afternoon visit to Stanford reservoir was quite productive. 4 Ringed Plover were feeding at the inlet, plus a Redshank and 2 Dunlin.  Pied Wagtails 10+, White Wagtails at least 4 and 4 Yellow Wagtails.

The wind freshened and a shower came through bring good numbers of Sand Martin - 200+, Swallow c100 and House martin c50 to feed just above the water.  3 Common terns were also feeding over the water.

The Long-tailed Duck, first summer drake was present among the Tufted Duck and Great-crested Grebes.  While watching a Mallard duck and brood came along the shore line, then another a few minutes later.  the ducklings were very active running on, with the duck trying to catch up.

Nearby a groups of 5 Little Egrets and 2 Grey Heron were feeding in a shallow area along with several other species.

23rd April - mostly sunny, light NW, 16C

Before lunch I had a quick look at Shawell lagoons, not too much happening here, a single Little-ringed Plover was feeding, a couple of Great-crested Grebes and Mute Swans, a few Tufted Ducks and a Mallard with 9 ducklings.  A handful of Gulls came in, Lesser-black Back, Greater-black Backed and Herring Gulls, about 25 in all.

After lunch I decided to go to Warren Hills to see if I could find the Ring Ouzels that have been reported there.  Some always drop in here on their northern migration.  I did not find any, nor did a couple of others who were looking too.  It was fairly quiet, a few Skylarks were singing, Yellowhammer, Chaffinch, a pair of Stock Doves, a Buzzard being chased by a Carrion Crow and a Coal Tit singing provided interest though, plus the great views.

While there news came in that 2 Black-winged Stilts had returned to Stanford reservoir and the Glossy Ibis had been seen at Cossington Meadows. The latter I had to pass on the way home, so I decided to pay a visit there.

At Cossington along the main track a Whitethroat was singing.  On the upper marsh or Holbley lake there was no sign sign of the Ibis, but a nice selection of other birds including Oustercatcher, Redshank, Lapwing, Teal, Gadwall and Little Egret. sedge and Reed warblers could be heard singing and at least 2 Cettis' Warblers were singing too.  Other expected warblers and finches were seen and a Kestrel flew past low.   More searching failed to find the Ibis today, a further visit will be on the cards.

22nd April - cloudy, clearing to long sunny period, light northerly, 15C

This morning I had a quick look at the local lake area, the Mute Swan was stilling incubating on the nest while Little Grebe disputed their territories.  Chiffchaff, Blackcap and Willow Warblers were singing, a single Reed Warbler was singing from the reeds.  A single House Martin flew over, followed a little later by 4 Swallows and a Jay 'scolded' from the nearby trees.

A nice few clumps of Cowslip are just about in full flower now.

Later I visited Stanford reservoir, yet again, my local patch as we say.  Some new birds were around, 3 Dunlin, Ringed Plover, 3 Oystercatcher, 2 Green and 1 Common Sandpiper plus a Redshank.

A Garden Warbler was watched singing near the inlet and a Grasshopper Warbler 'reeled' briefly near to the hide. A small number of Sand martins flew in, with about 10 House Martins high above them.  5 littler Egret were feeding around the inlet where a number of Pied and c10 White Wagtails with 1 Yellow Wagtail were active.

The Long-tailed Duck was still present associating as usual with the Tufted Duck.  3 Shelduck, 2 Goldeneye still and upto 10 Shoveler.  At least two mallard broods are now roaming around the edge of the water. A couple of Great-black backed gulls flew in for a wash, while c40 Black-headed gulls were picking food off the waters surface.

21st April - mostly cloudy, light WNW, 13C

Mid-morning a Raven was feeding on another carcass to the west of the village before it was cleared away.  It flew off southward over the Long Spinney in the usual direction.

During the afternoon I walked to the top of the village, next to the pond a Willow Warbler, Blackcap, Chaffinch and Goldfinch were singing.  In the thickets next to the allotments another Blackcap was singing and a Nuthatch was calling loudly from the trees nearby. A Bullfinch pair was in the thicket behind the pin-fold next to the allotments, the male was singing at times.

I heard that the Black-winged Stilts had moved on from Stanford reservoir and not found early morning and not seen todayat all, so the hope they stay and maybe nest has gone.

20th April - mostly cloudy, v. Light breeze, 10C

11 Swallows were feeding over the fields next to the village this morning.

Excitement was in the air when a report of 3 Black-winged Stilts at Stanford reservoir was made at 0700h, I managed to get there at 0930h and spot them distantly, so made my way closer.  Fab looking birds, managed some record photos, then a proper photographer came along and has promised to send me some photos too.  Also present was yesterday's Bar-tailed Godwit and a Black-tailed Godwit.

Bar-tailed and Black-tailed Godwits (Photo Derek Hales)

Yellow, White and Pied Wagtails were around, as was a Scandinavian Meadow Pipit.  

The Long-tailed Duck was present on the water with plenty of Sand Martins, a few House Martins and Swallows feeding overhead.

19th April - mostly sunny, cloudy late afternoon, light breeze,14C

First thing a Lesser Whitethroat was singing east side of the village from the hedges.  The Green Woodpecker was calling loudly again.

A report of Black-tailed Godwits at Stanford reservoir made an evening visit worth making.  When I arrived al but one Godwit had departed.  At first it looked good for a Black-tailed when it flew it did not show the white wing bar and Chris Hubbard had some digiscoped photos which we examined.  These photos clearly showed the bird to be a Bar-tailed Godwit, a much rarer visitor to these parts.

Photo C Hubbard

18th April - sunny periods, light NE, 12C

The cool wind from the northerly quarter continues, there was more migration going on.
At Stanford reservoir 4+ White Wagtails were with the Pied and 4 Yellow Wagtails feeding. The Long-tailed Duck was still present, and the Mallard with her brood.  MoreBlack-headed Gulls were present today than recently.  Six Lapwing are around the reservoir while Little ringed Plover are still passing through.  A Single Redshank and unusually a Whimbrel dropped in and spent a while feeding.

The usual early Warblers were singing and I heard my first Lesser Whitethroat sing twice.  A good number of Sand Martins were feeding, with a lesser number of Swallows.  So, even though the wind is against them, migrants are coming through slowly.

At the village the Mistle Thrushes were again very aggressively chasing the Magpies away from their nest area, clearly the Magpies are persisting in trying to raid the nest.

17th April - mostly cloudy, light breeze NNE, 10C

This morning I visited Stanford reservoir, there were many newly arrived hirudines (Swallow, Sand and House Martins), with several hundred busy feeding from low over the water to high up.  The Lon-tailed Duck and 3 Goldeneye were still present. A duck Mallard swam along the edge with 9 recently born duckling.  8 Little Egrets and 6 Grey Heron were feeding around the reservoir.

More Sedge and Reed Warblers were singing, along with a single Cettis' Warbler.  A couple of Red-legged Partridge were feeding in the rough meadow area.

During the afternoon I continued with  my Rookery counting, soon I will have covered them all and know if the population has changed or not compared to last year.

I then decided to visit an area nearby where once Corn Bunting breed, but I have not seen them there for several years as the farm cropping has changed, also I was hoping there may be Wheatear in the area.  I scanned a cultivated area and soon picked out two Wheatears, they showed characters of being the 'Greenland' race that pass through the UK this time of year.

Nearby 3 Stock Dove were feeding on a arable field and a lovely bright male Yellow Wagtail sat on a fence post.

16th April - sunny spell am, showers spreading from west, 13C

A Sparrowhawk flew along the church lane this morning, chased by the Mistle Thrush pair.

15th April - cloudy am, sunny pm. 13C light/mod NW

This morning I had a look at the Shawell lagoons.  At first things seemed quite but then A few Sand Martin and Swallows appeared feeding over the water.  On the south pool there was c50 Sand Martin, c10 Swallow and 2 House Martin.  A few Tufted Duck, Coot and 2 Little ringed Plover were present too.   Blackcap, Chiffchaff and Willow Warbler were singing, as was a Song Thrush.

After lunch I visited Cotesbach landfill to look at the Gulls, Carl was already there and had seen the Iceland Gull already.  After some searching the Iceland Gull was found again, this is the latest Spring date I had seen one.   There a very good number of Gulls present at the landfill, and Carl had found 2 Caspian Gulls, one of which I did see.

After this I moved off to continue my annual Rookery count in the 10Km square that I have part completed.  The area I covered sometimes has breeding Curlew, but none were seen today, they are very scarce breeders in the Midlands.  A female Sparrowhawk few past, but little else was showing in the cool NW wind.

5 Swallows were sitting on the village Telegraph wires today, so more have returned

14th April - sunny spells, light showers pm, mod-breezy NW, 13C

This morning I had a look at the pools field at Cotesbach, a single Mallard drake and two pairs of Tufted Duck were present, little else was around the pools field.  A Pheasant and 2 Red-legged Partridge were in the long grass, 3 Buzzard were over the spinney, calling and hanging in the wind.  In the Ash trees along the hedge several Tree Sparrows were vocal.

I had a look at Stanford reservoir again this afternoon.  A single Ringed Plover remained with 2 Common Sandpipers nearby.  Plenty of Pied Wagtails, several White and 3 Yellow were around too.  A Sedge Warbler was singing from the reeds near the hide. Several Lapwing have stayed around the reservoir and are displaying, hopefully they will raise young.

The usual duck were present as yesterday, but I was able to find the Long-tailed Duck again, which seems to have settled here.  No doubt once it has finished moulting in to adult plumage it will be off.

The NW winds seem to have slowed migration and we are awaiting the next batch of summer migrants to return, I expect over the next few days  new species will turn-up.

An interesting bracket fungi was spotted along the path the other day.

13th April - sunny spells, light-mod NW, 12C

At Stanford reservoir today new birds included 2 Ringed Plovers and 3 Common Sandpipers.  Still a good number of Pied Wagtails, 20-30, with up to 6 White Wagtails, and 4 Yellow Wagtails were present.  A single Meadow pipit was feeding on one of the islets.

9 Goldeneye, Shoveler, Tufted Duck, Gadwall and a Shelduck was present on the water, a couple of Greylag Geese flew in, while c100 Sand Martin and several Swallows fed overhead. A flock, ~30, of Linnets were feeding on the adjacent field, 4 Bullfinch were in the bordering hedgerow.

12th April - mostly cloudy, light Westerly, 12C

A Raven was seen feeding on a ewe carcass to the west of the village early morning, 3 Carrion Crows occasionally dived bombed it, but it took little notice.

At lunch time 10 House Sparrows were on the lawn, most were gathering moss for their nests.  While two cock Blackbirds disputed their territories by fighting on the neighbouring shed roofs.

11th April - cloudy am, sunny pm, 13C, light-mod Westerly

This morning while waiting for the MOT to be completed at the garage I went for a walk along Mill Lane that runs from Ashby Parva.  In the fields were the usual birds, it was good to see at least 5 Yellowhammers and a pair of Linnets.  Several Green Woodpecker were about in the trees and calling.  A Kestrel flew past and then back diving at 2 Jackdaws that were sitting in an Ash tree near to a nice hole.  This hole maybe being used by the Kestrel as a nest site and would be very suitable for the Jackdaws too.

In the evening I had a walk at Stanford reservoir again, at least 300 Sand Martin were feeding, but no Swallows or House Martins with them.  Both a Green and Common Sandpiper were feeding along the shore, as were the Oystercatcher pair.  A single Dunlin was was on the point.   Nearby 2 bright male Yellow Wagtails were sitting, along with several Pied Wagtails.  Only 3 Little Egret and 4 Grey Herons were at the inlet end feeding in the shallows.

There are still 8 Goldeneye present, 3 males, these will be leaving very soon now.  Teal, Shoveler and Gadwall in good numbers still.

10th April - mostly cloudy am, sunny spells pm, 13C, moderate NW

The NW wind made it feel cool at times, and quite breezy.

This morning 2 Lapwing flew west over the village, I wonder if there will be staying local to breed, quite scarce breeders now where once common.  The Mistle Thrushes were having a battle with Magpies in the church yard Yew trees, probability where they have a next.  Mistle Thrushes are quite feisty birds and will persist, I hope they managed to chase of the Magpies successfully.

Each year I count the Rooks nests in my local 10Km square, I started this this morning by visiting Misterton where there is a group of 4 rookeries. There was a good selection of woodland birds including, Nuthatch, Great-spotted Woodpecker, Coal, Blue and Great Tits, Goldcrest, Willow Warbler, Chiffchaff, Blackcap, a Blackbird building a nest and several Song Thrush.  The distinctive 'croak' Made me look up to see 2 Ravens flying around before heading off, I wonder if they nested locally.

After lunch I made a visit to Stanford reservoir, many of the usual birds of the last week or so were still present.  New birds included a Common Sandpiper and a Yellow Wagtail - a nice bright male.  The Oystercatchers were present and mating, so hopefully soon will nest.

Single Swallows were seen over the water, but higher, sometimes very high were at least 300 Sand Martins, however I could not spot a House Martin with them.

9th April - Sunny, very warm, 22C, southerly light, changing west and freshening pm

Another glorious sunny and very warm day - forecast is back to normal for the days ahead.

Three Swallows were at the village flying around the field and stables were they usually nest.  A Willow Tit was singing in the long spinney early on, an rare sight here these days.

At 0800h news came through that 2 Common Crane were at Stanford reservoir, they then flew off SW, they were ringed and maybe from the WWT re-introduction program in Gloucestershire.

I made it to the reservoir for the afternoon, there was a good number of the common Spring butterflies again and 2 Muntjac deer skipped into cover.

I did not find the Long-tailed Duck today, but a good number of Shoveler 17+, Gadwall and 2 Teal and 2 Goldeneye still, more than 30 Great-crested grebe too.  Some 20 Pied Wagtail, including a White Wagtail were near the inlet end, White Wagtails are the continental form so are migrants passing through the country.
The first Common Tern returned today, hopefully with the low water they can find a place to nest this year.

About 3 pairs of lapwing are in residence at the reservoir this year.  The only other waders seen was the pair of Oystercatcher.

Blackcap and Willow Warbler numbers have continued to increase, this coming week should see the next wave of warblers arrive.  About 40 Linnet were around, some showing signs of territory stake-outs.  Bullfinch are regular here and at least 4 were seen today. A good number of Reed Bunting are present this year.

It looks like at least 1 Black-headed Gull pair may have a nest on an islet, a single Greater- and Lesser-black backed Gull were sitting out in the water.

8th April- sunny all day, very warm, 21C, light southerly

An amazingly warm and sunny day for so early in the year.

About 0900h I had a quick look at Cotesbach pools field area.  Things were fairly quite there, then a female Mallard made its way down the field towards the nearest pools following by 13 ducklings, about a day old, the succeeded in making it to the water which the female seemed to appreciate.  Unfortunately I did not have my camera with me.

After lunch I decided to visit Cossington Meadows where a Juv Glossy Ibis has been present for quite a while.  I made my way to the Rectory marsh it preferred but could not find it, a single Little Egret was feeding there. I continued to walk around the area to further pools it may have been at.  On the Tern pool a nice selection of duck species was present, Teal, Shoveler, Gadwall, Tufted Duck and Mallard.   On the top pool a Great-crested Grebe was building a nest.

As I walked around at least 2 Cettis' Warblers were singing, a couple of Blackcap, Great-Spotted and Green Woodpecker.  I returned back to the Rectory marsh, still not there, I waited for over an hour, but it did not show, no doubt it will be back.  While waiting there was plenty to watch, including Treecreeper in the Willows behind me, sometimes singing.

Again plenty of the common early Spring butterflies were on the wing.

7th April - high cloud, sunny pm, 14C

During early morning a Grey Heron flew very low over the village center and a Swallow sat on the telegraph wires

During mid-morning I dropped in to Frolesworth manor lake for a look.  A single Swallow was present, a Great-crested Grebe pair and a few Tufted Duck were on the lake, plus Moorhen and Coot. A Chiffchaff was singing, but no other warblers yet.  On the adjacent cultivated field at least 15 Yellowhammer were feeding, a male was also singing nearby.  Also, several Skylark were present as well as others singing in the neighbouring fields.

I then stopped off at the local lake, things were fairly quite here, just the recent usual species, although a male Reed Bunting was perched and no doubt will stay to breed as in other years.

Just about lunch time news came through that there was a summer plumed Red-necked Grebe at Stanford reservoir, so after lunch I made a visit.  The Red-necked Grebe was found feeding not too far from the hide, the light was not perfect, too bright, but good views were had, and of the Long-tailed Duck too. Overhead a Red Kite and Buzzard shared the same thermal and circled very close to each other.

A very good number of butterflies were out during the sunny afternoon, which was good to see.  Brimestone, Peacock, Orange-tip and Speckled Wood were seen.

6th April - sunny day, 14C, light W

I had a look at Shawell lagoons this morning to see what Gulls were about, well none were present initially when I arrived and viewed the north pool.  Two Little-ringed Plover were present and a single Sand Martin flew over.  I moved to look at the south pool, when I had got there I could see that  about 300 Gulls had come in and were on the other pool and dividing bank.  On the north pool were a Cormorant, several Canada Geese, a Little Grebe and 18 Tufted Duck.  Going back to the other pool to look through the Gulls did not produce any scarce species or any wearing colour rings.

An evening walk at Stanford reservoir produced a Snipe, 2 Oystercatcher, 6 Lapwing, 10 Goldeneye, 1 Pochard, 3 Wigeon and the other usual duck species, but no Long-tailed Duck.  A Treecreeper was calling loudly and seen making its way up a Popular Tree. 6 Little Egret and 5 Grey Heron were feeding.  At one time 45 Carrion Crow were scavenging along one section of the shore.  A few Sand Martin and single Swallow were feeding over the water.

The low water level is shown well, with the point off the hide being favoured by some birds including Oystercatcher.

5th April - grass frost last night, mostly, sunny, 12C, light- mod NW

This morning, at the allotments area of the village, I could heard a Nuthatch calling loudly, a Blackcap popped up singing, then a couple of Linnet (the male sang awhile) a Goldfinch, followed by a couple of Yellowhammers on the hedge.  A Mistle Thrush sang distantly from the Long Spinney and two Buzards patrolled overhead.

A look at Stanford reservoir during the afternoon showed the Long-tailed Duck and Shelduck were present, along with all the usual species.

4th April - sunny spells, light NW, breezier later W, 14C

Two Canada Geese were on the pond behind the cottages this early morning, they flew off towards Newnham paddox.

The first Swallow of the year for the village put in a brief appearance, calling and singing as it did a fly-over at 0900h, it will be back.

Late evening a Fieldfare was heard but not seen.

At Stanford reservoir there was c100 Sand Martins and a couple of Swallow.  The long-tailed Duck and 3 Shelduck, the pair and a single bird some distance from them.  3 Wigeon remain, but I did not see any Goldeneye this time, maybe they have gone on their return migration.  Little Egret numbered 4 near the inlet, with a few Grey Heron too.

3rd April - mostly sunny, warm 16C, light/mod SW

Another lovely Spring day, thenHorse Chesnut sticky buds have just about burst open, so soon the tree will be green instead of the bare brown of winter.

I had a quick look at the local lake as passing this morning.  A Comma butterfly was about and lots of larger insects.  On the lake 3 pairs of Little Grebe were very active defending and challenging their territories, a couple had a proposed fight, the likes of which I've not seen before.

A look at a Stanford reservoir during the afternoon produced the Long-tailed Duck and Shelduck still. 5 Wigeon are still present, along with Goldeneye, Shoveler, Teal, Gadwall, Tufted Duck and Mallard.  Over the last week or so there has been quite a few predated Mallard eggs, their remains scattered around the paths.  It's not unusual for the first clutches to be heavily predated as lack of cover makes their nests easier to find.  I expect most will lay again.

4 Lapwing were feeding in front of the hide and 1 Little-ringed Plover was present.

~40 Linnet were flying around between the fields, Chiffchaff, a Blackcap and a Willow Warbler were singing.  A Great-spotted Woodpecker was in the trees being noisy, a pair of Bullfinch were nearby.

A Muntjac deer tried to hide as I walked passed the Willows it was hiding in.  A Peacock butterfly was soaking up the sun by spreading its wings wide.

2nd April - sunny day, light NW/W breeze, 14C

A day at the races, however when returning about 1530h, just outside the village a Fox dashed across the road in broad daylight.

I popped to Stanford reservoir in the early evening, the Long-taile Duck and Shelduck were present.  About 10 Wigeon only remain now, c40 Teal and c15 Goldeneye still.  No Little Egrets were seen, not sure where they are, have they left?  Several Grey Heron were fishing though and 3 lapwing were feeding on the mud.

Several Blackcap were singing and numerous Chiffchaff.  A great-spotted Woodpecker was drumming, a Treecreeper sang and a Tawny Owl called from the adjacent copse, while a jay called loudly as I disturbed it in the hedge.

1st April - sunny periods, 17C, light SW

Early morning a Raven was feeding on a dead lamb in a field to the west of the village.  4 Fieldfare were in the Church lane Blackthorn hedge at 1400h.  The Blackthorn looks splendid now in full flower.

A quick look at the pools field at Cotesbach did not produce too much, a Green Woodpecker was calling loudly, a Mallard pair was on one pool and only 4 Pied Wagtails remained, compared to the 60 or so recently.

After lunch I made a visit to the Cotesbach landfill area, Carl was there so we search through the Gulls.  After a short while I spotted a Iceland gull sitting among the other Gulls, I took some distant record photos, which have been cropped shown here, you can clearly make out the Iceland Gull.

A Red Kite flew over, as did Buzzards which are regular here.

In the evening I popped to Stanford reservoir, it was a little quite this evening, but the usual duck species including the Shelduck pair and Long-tailed Duck still.

On the way back i went past the old tree that is favoured by Little Owl, and sure enough one was sitting on the top and could be seen in silhouette.