April 13th 2008

Out with Dave and Neil his friend from Linconshire who was up for the weekend so we showed him the valley but apart from Buzzard 3, a few Linnets and Red-legged Partridge 2 it was deathly quiet. Moving on to pond we had 600+ Sand Martin, Swallow 10, House Martin 3, Yellow Wagtail 3, Gadwall 3 and Blackcaps 2 singing as well as a chance to chat with Pete & Dave Hall about there Oman trip (check the Bumbling Bear Link for some great photos). (after we left they had Chiffchaff 11, Willow Warbler 4 and Blackcap 6)
Breakfast at long Itchington was superb and we arrived at Brandon Marsh to Sand Martin 100+ and a few Swallows hawking over the reserve. Just walking the east side of reserve we had Chiffchaff 8, Willow Warbler 2, at least 10 calling Cetties Warbler including one that showed really well and a calling Grasshopper Warbler on newlands. East Marsh had Ringed Plover 2, Redshank 2, Common Sandpiper, Oystercatcher 2, Snipe 8, Kingfisher, Grey Wagtail and a few Shoveler. Also seen today here but not by us were Sedge Warbler and Whitethroat and the log book showed the Bittern was still present yesterday.
Back home in the afternoon news broke that a possible Ring-necked Duck was at draycote so a mad dash with JJ found us legging it to toft bay but it turned out to be a hybrid but well worth the shout so thanks DL & JP and it was they who had a Black Redstart in the alpaca field so after a prolonged search I relocated but it was never close and at times very elusive. Also present were Buzzard 8, Teal 3, Yellow Wagtail had increased to 7 but hardly any Sand Martins. I missed the two Sanderling seen by JJ and the Hall brothers as it passed over and the Halls had two Reed Warbler at Napton Reservoir as well as Willow Warbler 2, Chiffchaff 4 and Grey Wagtail earlier.

Richard