3rd May - sunny periods, cloudier later, light SW, 15C

Mere Lane Lake; a look here this morning,met by 2 Speckled Wood at the gate, then other butterflies were on the wing too.  Several Reed Warblers were singing in the reeds, Willow Warbler, Chiffchaff, Blackcap and Whitethroat were also present. A Little Grebe pair were 'trilling', the Mute Swan was still sitting on her eggs.  A couple of Jay were around in the bushes.

Cotesbach Landfill; as I passed mid-afternoon a quick look produced 6 Red Kites over the tipping area.

Stanford reservoir; this evening a Common Sandpiper was on the dam.  A Red Kite was over the nearby fields, A Kestrel flew passed and a Sparrowhawk hunted the bushes, 4 birds of prey- not bad.  There was a good number of House Martins over the water, c200, plus Sand martin and Swallows.  My target was to see the Hobby that has visited for the last 2 evenings, sure enough it showed well.