Brandon Marsh

Lapwing "dive bombing" Oystercatcher


Willow Warbler


Grey Lag Geese & Goslings


Canada Goose

Oystercatcher v Grey Heron

Grey Heron

It is very frustrating working 12 hour shifts and reading on other blogs about the influx of Spring Migrants that you are missing! It is even more frustrating going to the reported sites and seeing nothing!

I finished a night shift at 0700 this morning and managed a couple of hours sleep before needing to pick my daughter, Abigail up from her music lessons in Daventry and take her to St Marks Church, Bilton to sing at a wedding. Had a look around the churchyard which produced Blackcap and Goldcrest. Eventually arrived home at 1500 and decided as the weather was good to visit Brandon Marsh (in the hope of migrants). I arrived at 1615 and took a leisurely walk down to East Marsh and Carlton Hides and then back around Newlands recording 55 bird species before leaving at 2000. It was nice to meet a few friendly birders in the East Marsh Hide but some others on the reserve were in desperate need of a personality transplant!

I was not to be disappointed. At least 8 Swift combined with a large number of House Martin's and Sand Martin's were over East Marsh Pool, which also held 5 Common Tern, 2 Oystercatcher, 3 Redshank, 1 Common Sandpiper, 3 Little Ringed Plover and 2 Ringed Plover. The reeds and thickets produced Sedge Warbler, Reed Warbler and Whitethroat and the hedges Blackcap, Willow Warbler and Chiffchaff.

Cettis Warbler were singing from many areas, and giving good views, but I was not quick enough with the camera! Water Rail, Bullfinch, Snipe being the best of the rest. Alas no Hobby but maybe next time?