If someone was to ask me for my favourite date on which to go birding, today's would be right up there. Throw in a hint of easterly and its fair to say that expectations were high. Maybe too high.
I started at Morton Bagot at 06:20, but by the time I had to return for breakfast no new species had been seen, and one, Avocet, was conspicuous by its absence. On the plus side a Water Rail squealed, at least four singing Lesser Whitethroats included one I got a decent look at, the Cetti's Warbler and at least one Grasshopper Warbler was still singing, and I finally got a shot, albeit a ropey one, of a Whitethroat.
With the West Midlands Alldayer just over the horizon (Sat May 2) I was also dismayed, but not surprised, to find that only one Teal was briefly visible.
After breakfast I returned to my original plan, which had been to stake Earlswood out. I was hoping the easterlies, which by then were pepping up, might have blown in a Little Gull. Sadly, it was not to be. However, I quickly spotted my first Swift of the year over Malthouse Lane carpark, and also heard a Redpoll flying over.
I only had time to cover Engine Pool, but soon added the Yellow-legged Gull, at least one Common Sandpiper, a fly over Siskin, and a Little Egret. Looking forward to May 2, Earlswood always fairs better than Morton Bagot, and it looks as though this year will be no exception. I'd like to think it could be close though.
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| A family of 10 goslings |
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| Yellow-legged Gull (the usual one) |
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| A true record shot of one of three Swifts seen today |
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