Arrived with the mist just clearing into a fabulous sunny morning. Chiffchaffs were everywhere often involved in chiff-chaff singing contests then resulting in a fluttering duel. Not sure how they work out who is the winner. At the bottom of the zigzag a pair of Treecreepers were inspecting every nook and cranny including working horizontally underneath a fence rail. Made my way to Nettleys to see if I could see the water vole that has been seen over the last few weeks, but was pulled up short by a male Bullfinch that was sitting on a branch across the path perfectly illuminated by the sunshine -what a stunner.
Still plenty of ducks present, including wigeon, pintail and lots of argumentative Shelduck and shoveler. A snipe put in a brief appearance but quickly disappeared into the reeds. Two reed buntings sung their monotonous ditty in the sunshine. A friend sent a text that two little-ringed plover were showing from the Hanger so decided to go there as I could not see them from Nettleys. Wrong decision of course as the water vole came out five minutes after I left!
Anyway, on the way to the Hanger a blackcap was singing by the picnic site – great my first of the year. At the Hanger itself another blackcap was singing, and I managed to pick up the little-ringed plovers. Chiffchaffs were at head height either side of the Hanger trying to deafen us, and overhead two red kites and several buzzards drifted past. On the flood at least eight little egrets daintily picked their way from pool to pool.
By the time I got to adder alley it had clouded over and a cold wind was blowing so little chance of finding any snakes. After lunch in Winpenny it brightened up a little so decided to try my luck looking for snakes again, but was distracted by a willow warbler (another year first) that was singing amongst the blackthorn flowers near the hide. Hearing that song is the real sign of spring to me. In contrast to the liquid sound of the willow warbler, a raven cronked its way overhead. Luckily the sun stayed out for five minutes and a visitor drew my attention to a grass snake almost motionless and not very obvious at the side of the path. I must admit that I’m not sure I would have seen it without help.
A brief look in West Mead found the reported common snipe and a redshank called from somewhere out on the south brooks. Spring is certainly here with lots of primroses, lady’s smock and bee flies. The next few weeks should be interesting.