Brief Update

River Avon in flood again!

I've been out and about on several occasions since getting back from Norfolk last Monday but to be honest there hasn't been much new to report on. Still, at this time of year it's all about anticipation with some early migrants already arriving back into the UK, so there's no telling what might show up.

During Thursdays work party at Brandon, when the team prepared the Islands and Sand Martin structure for the forthcoming nesting season, I recorded my first Butterfly of the year with a Peacock on the wing in the lovely sunshine.

Visits to Brandon Marsh today and yesterday proved to be a wash out weather wise with no sign of the recent Green-winged Teal, which was likely out on the flood plain with other Teal. Yesterday morning a brief visit from a lone Dunlin on East Marsh Pool, Water Rail, (4) Oystercatcher, (2) Willow Tit and (2) Goldcrest were the only other highlights. Unfortunately, heavy overnight rain sent the Avon back into flood this morning and by the time I'd visited Carlton and Big Hide in my wellies, the water had already risen by a few inches along the Central Marsh Path.

Elusive Cetti's Warbler

Currently there are plenty of birds calling with Water Rail, Little Grebe and Cetti's Warbler very vocal today. Some of our winter visitors are still around and Lesser Redpoll, Siskin and Redwing were also recorded. Worth mentioning too that the ringing team had a Chiffchaff in the nets earlier, but obviously no way of telling whether the bird is a new arrival or a wintering one.

The past week at the marina has had a pair of Common Buzzard in display, several Skylarks in full song and a small build up of Yellowhammer around the place. I've also noticed that a few Fieldfare are roosting, there were at least 3 this evening. Finally, I had to laugh earlier in the week when one of the moorers reported seeing a Rat at my bird feeding station, demanding that we have traps placed all around the grounds. HELLO!! We live in the country!! Town folk with boats......