1st May - sunny spells after night rain, 13C, light-steady NE wind

The Swallows are now exploring our sheds where they usually nest, so hopefully they will build or re-occupy an old nest.  this evening I could here two green Woodpeckers calling, they must have young by now, I may have to have a wander around likely areas, young can be noisy.  A Mistle Thrush and Blackbird were collecting food in the back paddock.

Again Stanford reservoir delivered a couple of new and interesting birds, a beautiful looking Wood Sandpiper and a Grey Plover, both on passage to breeding grounds north.

 Grey Plover (photo C Hubbard)

 Grey Plover (photo C Hubbard)

Wood Sandpiper (photo Chris Hubbard)

So far this year due to the very low water we have had 17 different species of wader visit the reservoir, this is exceptional for even the best places in the midlands.

Black, Little and Common Terns were around too, plus all the current usual species including Dunlin, Ringed Plover and Greenshank.