Following on from our first nightingale sighting on Thursday, more of these great songsters have arrived and are serenading visitors from the usual spots - fattengates courtyard and adder alley. Far from being the skulking fellows that they're renowned to be, we've been treated to some good views and I've had some lovely photos sent through. Thanks to Gareth Hughes and Mick Davis for these ones:
Whilst the nightingales do steal the limelight, you shouldn't ignore the other chirps, whistles, tweets and tunes. The chiffchaffs and blackcaps have been joined by willow warbler, common and lesser whitethroat and sedge warbler. We're still waiting for our first garden warbler and reed warbler so why not pop along and see if you can find our first for the year.
We'd assumed that the 4 avocets would just be passing through but they are still with us, have been engaged in 'amorous activities' and now appear to be scraping. It looks possible that we might have our first ever avocets attempting to breed on site. How exciting!
Various other migrants to look for when you visit - garganey, redstart, wheatear - have all been seen over the past few days.
Take a break from the birds to look for common liazrd, adder and a range of butterflies (brimstones, orange tips, peacocks, red admiral, small tortoiseshell and green veined white).
Out on the heathland, the bluebells, greater stitchwort and wood sorrel are looking splendid. I suggest you wander down towards black pond (have a scan for an early dragon or damsel fly) then explore black wood for the best of the flowers. From Hail's view you could spot displaying lapwing or redshank.
Don't forget about our upcoming nightingale festival. The 'evening concert' guided walks are on Saturday 26 April. The visitor centre will re-open at 6.30 pm with the cafe open for soup, sandwiches, tea and cakes and then guided walks will leave the centre at 7.30 pm and 8 pm. Whilst they are singing well during the day there really is something magical about hearing them at night.