A quick scan over Island mere from the overflow car park last night showed just how many migrants have arrived int he alst few days. The sky was full fo martins, swarming at great height in pursuit of tiny insects. given the height, distnace and light (looking straight into the sun) I couldn't pick out any house amrtins, but there were undoubtedly a few among them given the number of recent records. What I can say is that flock included at least 150 sand martins and 30 swallows, plus two marsh harriers and several black-headed gulls! There were two great crested grebes and a dozen tufted ducks on the mere itself.
Earlier in the day, two red-legged partridges were feeding on the edge of Whin Hill - an unusual record at this location. Green woodpeckers have been showing incredibly well on Whin Hill too.
Warbler numbers are increasing slowly. A lesser whitehtroat was singing near Whin Hill yesterday, and two blackcaps near Bittern Hide. There are a few reed warblers and whitethroats around, and grasshopper warblers near North Wall and Island Mere.The normally elusive Cetti's warbler was been showing well near West Hide, even posing for a school group to watch him yesterday. Likewise, one of the nightingales in North Bushes has been showing well at times.
There are up to nine bitterns booming, with birds regularly showing well from both Bittern and Island Mere Hides. Marsh harriers are displaying and already starting to nest, and the first hobbies are in.
On the heath, there are still a few late fieldfares and the odd wheatear and ring ouzel have been seen in the last few days.
This weekend we've got our special Spring Celebration weekend. RSPB wardens and volunteers will be around the site at key locations to help you to find some of star species, such as bitterns, marsh harriers, avocets, Mediterranean gulls, bearded tits, sand martins and nightingales - and who knows what else might turn up now that migration is in full swing! Why not join us between 10 am and 4 pm to celebrate spring together.