As I walked along Station Road to do the penultimate winter bird count at Exminster Marshes today, I listened to the explosive song of the Cettis warbler and the simple but proud call of the reed bunting, both enjoying the warm weather. If we threw our forms of communication and time keeping away I am sure we too would be fooled that spring is here. Whilst the reserves still hold excellent numbers of wigeon and curlew, there is no doubt that bird song has increased and the willows are in bud. Although our numbers of winter waders and wildfowl will soon start to dwindle today the curlew were accompanied by several hundred dunlin, which weaved in and out of their legs, busily picking up food off the muddy margins. I had a reminder today about what our breeding birds are going to be up against, as groups of nervous wigeon alerted me to the fact that a fox lay sleeping just a field away. Then as I walked across the fields I watched a peregrine try and out wit a teal, which just managed to give him the slip at the last moment. Soon our breeding waders will be pitting their wits against the sharp teeth and talons I crossed my fingers hard that our work to give them a helping hand is successful.