Small nos. of Swifts were over Walton Heath a.m. (my first this year) and more over Loxton’s mid afternoon. Flyby Chinook moved early LRPs from in front of VP2 and just 2 drake Garganey and the Glossy Ibis returned, plus probably a total of 100 Blackwits that arrived from the west in parties of 20’s and 30’s. a single Redshank and 2 Snipe were the other waders seen. The Ring Necked Duck was viewable on Walton East from near VP1. A single female Siskin was the highlight among Blackcaps, Chiffs and Willow Warblers.

17-Apr-2016
Also Hobby, 2 over Loxtons & Waltons mid-afternoon.

Also 2 White Wag, a Redshank, a Dunlin and the Godwit flock this afternoon/evening.  2VP but as last year, well worth walking the path on the north side of the canal to view.  Another (I think) drake Garganey was at 1VP and others reported the Ring-necked Duck (Tor hide) and beardies.  Throw in 4 sps of heron, Marsh Harriers, warblers, etc, and it all amounts to fab birding.

Glossy Ibis, 2 Garganey, 2 Common Sandpiper and a Yellow Wagtail all viewed from the second viewing platform in Ham Wall this morning.

A flock of 45 Blackwits over Ham Wall mid afternoon not seen to land, as viewed from Tor View hide where the Ring Necked Duck was again on view plus 4 close Bittern flybys. A Cuckoo was calling and appeared briefly in the tree line south of the hide.

Lots of mud showing here. Glossy Ibis still present this morning but also: 6 Garganey (5 Drakes 1 Female), Pintail, Great White Egret, Redshank, 2 Black Tailed Godwits. Need a scope to scan everything well. LRP, Dunlin, Greensand, Lapwing and Snipe all reported over the last few days.

2 Male and a female Garganey from VP2 this afternoon plus the Glossy Ibis , 4 Redshank and 4 Pintail still hanging on.  I Missed out on Dunlin, LRP and Water pipits seen earlier!