5th April - high cloud, light-mod SE, 12C

Stanford reservoir; a afternoon visit here, starting at the dam and walking along the Northants side. A male Grey and 3 Pied Wagtails on the dam, over the water a few Black-headed Gulls were hawking insects.  The usual Ducks and other birds were seen. Along the path near the old hide site a Willow Warbler was found, first of the year. At the feed station a good number of Tree Sparrow were present.  All around the reservoir now Reed Buntings and Chaffinch have set up territories. Heading to the hide point c50 Linnets were on the adjacent fallow field.

At the hide point I was just pondering which way to go when a text came that a Little Gull was with the BHGs, so quickly to the hide to view the water, sure enough a super adult. News then came through of a passage over the country, with at least 10 at Draycote Water.
I was rather distant for photos, but managed a few whilst it was resting on the water., Chris was a lot closer and managed some good photos.

Photo Chris Hubbard

I headed back to get closer views when Chris found 3 Common terns had dropped in (first of the year), I found these over the water too.

So it seems there was a considerable bird movement going on today.

Overhead about 25 Sand Martins with a couple of House Martins.  Back at the dam the Green Sandpiper was resting at the far side.  By the river, at the outlet, a Great White Egret was stalking.

A Muntjac was out in the field, not as shy as they used to be.