A single Greenshank appeared in front of the hide around 5 ish today (5th May). The lapwings put on a great display, but the current stars, for me, are the numerous Goslings. It’s an amazing sight. They are easily disturbed and retreat back into the longer grass. A Silent camera also help as the parents are very wary of such sounds.

2-May-2016
2 Dunlin flew west mid-afternoon, just after the heavy rain had passed through, then possibly another 5 a little later. Several (7 or 8) broods of Greylags, I counted 68 goslings; also 15/20 Swifts.

Four Whimbrel were in the field s south of the Tower Hide early this afternoon.

A drake Garganey still at the Lows mid morning in the drizzle, together with Teal, Shoveller,Gadwall and a couple of Mallard numbering just short of 100 duck total when put up first by a passing Buzzard and later by a fermale looking Marsh Harrier. A Greenshank was heading east on the North Drain as viewed from the bridge on Jacks Drove Tealham as I drove home at around 1330.

As the mist lifted this morning there were 3 summer plumaged Golden Plover flying around but I did not see them settle anywhere. A Sedge Warbler was singing in the car park , a couple of Reed Warblers singing in the fen area and a Grasshopper Warbler and a Whitethroat in the Heath. Lots of Blackcap, Willow Warbler and Chiff Chaff around and much the same duck species but I didn’t see the Garganey or Pintail, a few Sand Martins and Swallow through and singing Skylark.

A very brief visit mid afternoon Sun. My First brood of Greylags this year, seen at great distance, 4 to 6 very small youngsters sheltering in mothers wind shadow as they moved across a small patch of open water and disappeared into the vegetation. There were 2M and 2F Pintail present with small nos. of Wigeon, Shoveller, Teal and a couple of Gadwall.

When I got my eye in , I managed to spot 2 Garganey, ( Hi Alison, many thanks for pointing me In right direction). The male Pintail was still visible, along with the remaining teal, wigeon and shovelers. Very obvious large swan nest. Pair of Canada Geese. GWE feeding close to the hide. The usual 3 Roe Deer right in the distance.

The drake Garganey was still present late afternoon but only appeared after I’d been there almost an hour. A Redshank also appeared after everything had taken flight when a Marsh Harrier flew low over.

8-Apr-2016
The drake Garganey still present mid-morning, but had gone out-of-view when I got there. However, I had seen the drake on Meare Heath scrape earlier this morning.

A drake Garganey was among the remaining ducks at Catcott this afternoon, one Pintail at least is still present. Groups of Sand Martins and Swallows were passing through .