A trip to Gayhurst Quarry at first light didn't produce the summer migrants I hoped it would. Sure there were good numbers of Chiffchaffs, Willow Warblers and Blackcaps and a couple of Reed Warblers were new in. Five Common Terns had returned, but as far as Summer visitors are concerned that was it.
88 Mute Swans remained in the field, but the Bewicks had departed, - to Bedfordshire it appears. Only two drake Wigeon are still present as is a drake Shoveler. The pair of Oystercatcher were still about and a Grey Wagtail flew around.
Linford, however was shouting out Spring from every angle. A Cuckoo was calling and showing well near the centre, a 'rattling' Lesser Whitethroat worked it's way down the perimeter hedge and a Grasshopper Warbler was 'reeling' away. A bit of patience here and this beauty showed very well, it's whole body trembling as it sang. Blackcaps, Chiffchaffs, Willow, Sedge, Reed and Cetti's Warblers sang around the reserve.
From the hide a couple of Common Terns perched on the posts and the 'gurgling' sounds of breeding Little Egrets filled the air.
Peeping under the corrugated iron sheets on the reserve revealed 3 Grass Snakes, the first I have seen this year.
I really must try and get to Linford Rob.
ReplyDeleteHeard a Cuckoo at Willen this morning.