17th April - frost last night -2. Sunny, light NE, 14C

Cotesbach Landfill area; this morning three Egyptian Geese again, otherwise nothing new, although 10 Red Kites.  A little while after I had left Carl had Iceland Gull (2) and a Viking Gull so maybe next time.

Middleton Lakes RSPB; I pondered where to go this afternoon and decided on here, one aim to see the Cattle Egrets reported.  Then Egret were together in a Sheep field, busily feeding among the Sheep and lambs, they were showing well.

As soon as I had walked over the canal to the lakes area I immediately could hear a Bittern 'booming', this was a bonus as I don't think they are often heard here. In fact, it was heard from deep in the reed bed frequently during the afternoon.  

Plenty of other birds to see around the lakes, several Cetti's Warblers were heard and Sedge Warblers too.  A single Yellow Wagtail was spotted, A couple of Avocet, three Black-tailed Godwits, several Redshank and Lapwings.  A good selection of Ducks including three Wigeon.  The Black-headed Gulls were very active in their nesting colony.

16th April - Frost again last night. cloudy mostly am, sunny spells pm, 10C, light NE

Willey; still only one Swallow around.  This high pressure has been sitting over us several days now ans with the N/NE wind direction clearly migration of many visitors have been slowed or halted.  Hopefully the next few days will see a change to this weather pattern.

Cotesbach landfill; a look around the area this evening.  A pair of Gadwall, and couple of Yellow Wagtails were notable, otherwise just the regulars.  

15th April - at lerast -2C last night. Sunny periods, light NE, 9C, feeling cool

Stanford reservoir; I had a walk here during the morning, the weather was not helping.  A Muntjac wandered along the path in front of me before heading off.  Warblers present were not singing much at all and other birds were keeping their heads down.

A Mallard with eight ducklings on the open water was see,  Also six Goldeneye and two Wigeon noted.

Barlestone; I visited an area next to the village this evening to catch-up with three Ring Ouzels which had been reported here during the day.  Viewing the field I soon spotted two and then a third Ring Ouzel.  They were busy feeding and did seem to mind activities going on around them (like the farmer feeding his Sheep), popping in to the hedge if needed, then soon out again.

Also in the area were at six Song Thrush feeding together, plus other nearby and two singing.  A good number of Blackbirds and a single Mistle Thrush.  A Greenfinch singing, also Stock and Collared Doves, Starlings collecting food/next material, a Sparrowhawk flew over.

14th April - sunny spell, 10C, light NE

Cotesbach landfill; this evening three Egyptian Geese (where's the fourth gone?), four Yellow Wagtails and at least 10 Pied Wagtails.  Possible White Wagtail, but too far off to be sure, hopefully it may hang around a day or so. A flock, c25, Goldfinch were feeding on a weedy area.  Several Raven were seen/heard over the area.

Shoveler -10  and Teal 25.

13th April - another frost, quickly warming today to 12C, light N, mostly sunny.

Willey; Only a single Swallow still, sitting on the telegraph wires.

Cotesbach landfill area; a look this evening, new was a Green Sandpiper.  A drake and female Gadwall.  Otherwise nothing different o report than last visit.

12th April - Frost last night. sunny periods, light NNW, 10C

 Cotesbach Landfill area; the only new birds were three Gadwall.

Stanford Reservoir; an evening look. On the dam two Yellow Wagtails and Common Sandpiper.  

Eleven Goldeneye were present.

Blackcap, Willow Warbler and Chiffchaffs were singing.

11th April - frost last night. Sunny spells, mod NNW, 7C, feeling cold, brief hail showers pm

Willey; not many birds coming to the feed station along with Blue and great Tits a single Coal Tit, House Sparrows and Chaffinch.  Single Swallow around - probably shivering!

Undisclosed site; a Buzzard now sitting on nest.

Rookery survey - made good progress on counting the nesting in SP58 (Lutterworth), it will be interesting to see how the total compares to the last count in 2019 - no count 2020 due to Coronavirus lockdown.  Already noted some Rookeries are different size than 2019, or absent, one new location spotted too.  A full update when completed.

Cotesbach Landfill;  a look before lunch, very little Gull activity.  Teal 33, Shoveler 16, Coot 16, Tufted Duck 11 and Shelduck pair.  A Mistle Thrush was singing from the boundary hedge tree.

A further check late afternoon produced the four Egyptian Geese and a Red Kite eating at a dead Herring Gull and being bothered by Corvids.  

A single male Yellow Wagtail.and two Lapwings feeding.