An early morning visit to the reserve this morning to celebrate International Dawn Chorus Day. Although a chilly start to the day, there was plenty around to be seen and heard.
It is particularly nice now to be able to walk around listening to willow warbler, sedge warbler and blackcaps which are back from Africa, I have also been told of a whitethroat seen this morning.
Robins, wrens and chaffinches seem to be a lacking this year, but there are still some around to be seen.
In front of the hides we got a good view of water rail and reed bunting. The black headed gulls are starting to nest, and there are redshank, lapwing and oystercatchers in amongst them on the islands. Plenty of shoveler around still, and an occasional pair of gadwall showing.
There were fantastic views of a female marsh harrier hunting over the reedbeds too.
No sign of the osprey by the time I left, but I'm sure it will be there soon.
I left 2 people (Darell and Gus) doing a 'sponsored sit' with the aim of seeing as many different species as possible from the hide. If you are in today please say hi to them.
Ben and Lydia are also in the hides for the next couple of days and will help with any questions you have about the reserve / RSPB.