April 19th

Two Common Sandpiper's flying around the mere landing on various fishing platforms . Also a pair of Gadwall which are a different pair from last month's birds. Several Brambling noted along with a single Cormorant and all the usual migrants in full song. We are still waiting our first Reed Warbler to come back which we should get anytime now , then Garden Warbler and Swift which is usually first few days in May. Butterflies were up early this morning were Holy Blue first this year along with Comma , Brimstone , Orange-tip and Small Tortoiseshell. Apparently Jack has photographed one of the Common Sandpiper's from this morning and it's colour ringed , pink on left leg and green on its right leg. Mark has been down this afternoon and connected with a full summer plumaged male Brambling on Stubbs table also , Sparrowhawk , Buzzard , Lapwing , two Cormorant , Treecreeper and Goldcrest . He as also added to the Butterfly list with a Large White another first this year.

Gadwall drake.

Gadwall pair.