A proper spring day at last. It was almost warm outside (apparently) and despite being quiet early on the birds (and visitors) increased during the day. Ten Chiffchaff were on site and even broke back into song while a Willow Warbler was giving a half hearted attempt along the river wall. A couple of Swallows dashed through and late on about 20 Sand Martins dropped in to hawk over the pools.
On the wader front there were 16 Curlew and with them, one nice and stripy Gonzo-billed Whimbrel, our British race limosa Black-tailed Godwit, the Avocet and the black Ruff again. Only three Dunlin today and one Ringed Plover but at long last a Little Ringed Plover was found on Purfleet Scrape weaving in and out of all the Snipe and taking flack off the now very stroppy Lapwings.
Duck numbers do not seem to be dropping and there are now 23 PIntail (at least) so some more must have come in. A female teal (with a small T) has us guessing all afternoon as it had a very bold stripy face pattern and white loral spot making it look like a Garganey (or something better) through the haze but as the day drew on the tell tale white tail sides, orangey base to the bill and white either side of the speculum secured it as a very odd female Common Teal. You live and learn.
Plenty of Little Egret action today and Water Rails once again showed very well. The pair of Stonechats were still at the west end of the river wall and Linnets were seen at several spots.
Linnet (Dave McGough)
Stonechat (Russ Sherriff)
10-4-13