The black-headed gull colony's raucous chatter and clammer was pierced today by a familiar piping call but in unfamiliar surroundings. Scanning the fringes the culprits were found. 4 avocets tussling together in the water, splashing and flapping in circles intent on making as much of a fuss as possible. As they took off they broke up into 2 pairs and flew their separate ways, only to return several minutes later to continue their scuffle. The noise and activity of this second bout was enough to attract in 4 more, making this the highest spring count on the reserve and those fortunate enough to see the 8 also witnessed the first swallows of the year. In the afternoon a male marsh harrier flew east over the Wildlife Watchpoint and a short-eared owl and 2 little ringed plover were on Back Saltholme.