Today I was found myself at Sandwell again and at lunchtime I made my way to the hide as a break from staring at a computer screen. In the short time I was there I saw the resident oystercatchers and their 3 chicks which came out to the waters edge right in front of the hide. Mom & dad were busily searching for food for them and the young birds were already learning to forage for themselves. Cute!

Next up was the first sighting of a cygnet from under the mute swan which had been brooding for a long time, this cygnet, we hope, to be the first of a handful.

Without pausing for breath, looking left along the new feeding areas we spotted a yellow wagtail, a dunlin and a common sandpiper - what an impressive array.

What more could a man want whilst chomping on his sarnies.

Busy lunchtimes are becoming the norm for me at the reserve.

See you on the reserves,

Best regards,

Chris Edwards