Since returning from Denmark and Sweden on Monday evening I've spent a very frustrating 3 days bedridden with probably the worst bought of flu I've ever had!
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| Blackcaps ~ Usual high numbers beginning to arrive at Brandon Marsh |
Still not 100% I finally managed to drag myself out on Friday morning with a visit to Brandon Marsh. With spring migrants finally beginning to trickle through I had a little catching up to do. In fact, I'd only been on the reserve for several minutes when my first
Blackcap of the year burst into song near the nature centre. By the time I'd settled into East Marsh hide, I'd also encountered a second year first, this one a
Willow Warbler along the path at Goosetail, three more
Blackcap, including a female, also recorded!
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| Little-ringed Plover ~ Regular breeders at Brandon Marsh |
East Marsh pool, once again flooded out produced a very early
Common Tern and waders included (2)
Little-ringed Plover, (5)
Oystercatcher and (2)
Redshank. A few Hirundines during the morning, mostly
Sand Martin but a couple of
Swallows low over the water. Plenty of
Buzzards enjoying the thermals and distant views of a single
Red Kite, which never quite made it over the reserve. My first butterflies of the year too when things finally warmed up, (2)
Comma and a single♀
Brimstone, which flew through the car park as I was leaving!
Feeling pretty drained I was in two minds whether or not to venture across to Draycote Water for a reported group of
Little Gulls. They were apparently showing near 'B' buoy, over near the inlet, a decent walk but I suppose it was too good to miss! I'm glad I did, my first
House Martin of the year as I passed the Sailing Club and even better a lift back to the car park by Theo Clermont after enjoying views of the group of ten from Hensborough Bank. A bonus adult
Meditteranean Gull too, found by Theo!
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| Two of a trio of Avocets ~ Brandon Marsh |
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| 1st Common Sandpiper of the year ~ Brandon Marsh |
A few hours Saturday morning at Brandon yielded my first Brandon
House Martins of the year but nothing new to be found in relation to arriving migrants. However, three
Redwing and a group of five
Lesser Redpoll shows our winter visitors are still holding on. Of course, having decided to have an extra hour in bed this morning (Sunday) you knew what was coming next. Three
Avocets and the first
Common Sandpiper on site but thankfully my late arrival didn't cost me.
