April Summary: It was another good wade month and there were some notable sightings including 268 Golden Plover (9th), 18 Grey Plover (5th), seven Knot (3rd), the first Whimbrel (7th) and a Pectoral Sandpiper (25th). Spotted Redshank, Greenshank, Jack Snipe, both Godwits including Continental Black-tails and several Ruff all made for good viewing. A Red-throated Diver was a good find on the 6th and four species of terns were recorded on the Thames (Arctics on the 13th and six Blacks on the 29th) and three Little Gulls on the 6th. A Common Scoter took up residence on the 27th. A Bittern was seen out on Wennington again on the 5th and a drake Green-winged Teal was a much desired site tick for many. Marsh Harriers were still daily and Kites were seen on the 7th and 21st while a female Goshawk was seen on the 12th. Hobbies were back from the 21st. Passerine passage was slow with a Ring Ouzel on the 2nd and a few Wheatears, peaking at 20 on the 15th when about 50 phylloscopus warblers were also seen. A Firecrest sang on the 11th and the Black Redstarts stayed until about the 7th.
Marsh Frogs were very vocal, Porpoises did what they do best, the Kingfishers set up home, Water Voles came out and nibbled and at long last we got to see some butterflies and a little bit of sunshine...
Wheatear (Marianne Taylor)
8-5-13
Howard Vaughan, Information Officer