After impatiently waiting for days with a mean-spirited wind from the north and east we have finally been rewarded with our first returning sand martins of the year. Thankfully yesterday was warm and spring-like promoting one of the first major chironomid hatches of the year, ensuring plentiful food to replenish the sinews after their incredible journey from Africa.
The pioneering sand martin. One of four over Radipole spotted by ever alert lens man Luke.
Also on spring passage to its breeding grounds in Scandinavia or elsewhere oop north was this beautiful male pintail, adding a welcome elegance to Buddleia Loop.
Also on Lomoor for the past couple of days was first one, then a second spoonbill.
Photo from the library courtesy of Allan Neilson.
Perhaps the most significant news of the morning is that Danny smashed his Radipole otter duck with two individuals at dawn this morning while on bittern patrol. Sounds as though he was privy to the full array of otter antics including hunting, the up shot being that the roach below quite clearly panicked and completely lost its head.