Wet, windy, sunny... you name it we had it today. Started very nicely with all three hirundines over the pools so a year tick in the shape of House Martin to get us going. Three Yellow Wagtails were seen on the scrape along with a single White Wagtail and very nice summer plumaged Water Pipit.
The waders were not quite as good today but the Avocet and 39 Curlew came in and were joined by three Ruff including a colour ringed male. Golden Plover increased to 85 but the Greys were not seen. Only a few Redshank and they seemed to mostly be in pairs today with some even displaying. Meanwhile our first Lapwing is sitting and others are looking imminent.
Blackcap, Chiffchaff and a single Willow Warbler were all seen but still no Sedge Warblers.
The female Marsh Harrier was over the silts and both Peregrines were very active today with some good action over the pools. The one that almost got away was an Osprey that battled into the wind and rain along the pylon line at 1420 before turning and heading north. The views were not great and we could see little in the way of colour but the shape and flight were distinctive. Pity we did not pick it up a little sooner!
Still not exactly photo weather but I did get this shot of a fine Grey Heron on one of our gauge boards.
Some more tomorrow please!
12-4-13