Dry April

Another week has passed in this rather dry April. Like the last two years there's been very little rainfall this month, something that's usually a hallmark of the season. It's been fairly dry on the bird front too, with migration action somewhat limited during the clear and often bright run of weather. There's still been plenty to admire and get stuck into, though, as there always is in spring. 

Male Dartford Warbler.

Friday 15th

Sadly the female Mute Swan was off the nest at Snowdenham Mill Pond this morning, with the eggs presumably taken by a Fox (which has happened here before … ). Both her and the male were being highly territorial, though, so there's hope for another effort. A late pair of Shoveler were of note, with a drake and female Gadwall and one of the Red-crested Pochard x Mallard hybrids also about.

Shoveler pair and Red-crested Pochard hybrid.

Enton Lakes afterwards was fairly quiet, with two each of Gadwall and Common Tern highlighting. The feral female Goldeneye duo were also knocking about.

Common Tern and Gadwall.

Saturday 16th

Another sunny, clear morning, and a walk around The Hurtwood produced two Willow Warblers, a Firecrest and three Lesser Redpolls. However, there was a distinct lack of Woodlark, Dartford Warbler or Tree Pipit, with many of the previously suitable clear-fell areas now sporting young birch.

I headed onto Court Farm but it was rather quiet there, save three Yellowhammers and a Kestrel.

Sunday 17th

No birding.

Monday 18th

A male Whinchat was good value at Shackleford this morning, and something of a surprise given it was another clear day. He was kept very occupied by the copious amount of insect prey on offer and must have been pleased to find this most perfect of stop-off locations. A few more Whitethroats were in and the Little Owl was seen, but it was otherwise quiet.

Whinchat and Little Owl.

Tuesday 19th

Conditions were similar this morning although it was a touch colder, and a walk around Puttenham Common was low-key. Three singing Tree Pipits were noted, while two each of Redstart and Woodlark were in voice. A pair of Linnets were collecting nesting material by the top car park.

Tree Pipit.

Wednesday 20th

It was grey and a touch chilly at Thursley this morning, where a steady session produced 50 species. My first Cuckoo of the year was in song towards Parish Field and good numbers of Willow Warbler and Redstart (eight singing males apiece) were noted. I didn't log a single Tree Pipit, however; this species seems to be on a real slide at this site. 

Other bits included the Curlew pair, two separate Woodlarks carrying food, a female Mallard with six ducklings, singles of Meadow Pipit, Snipe and Water Rail and a male Kestrel hunting successfully over South Bog. 

After work I walked Eashing Fields, where the Stonechat pair were busy carrying food around and generally being agitated – surely young will be evident soon.

Thursday 21st

This morning I walked along the river up to Unstead Water Meadows, noting 53 species by the time I was home. A Lammas Lands first greeted me at Catteshall Meadow – a male Sedge Warbler singing by the old carping pond. Found by Neil on 19th, the bird is seemingly holding fort. Hopefully it finds a mate … other bits included two Stonechats, eight Linnets and five Reed Buntings.

Unstead Water Meadows was fairly quiet, with a second male Sedge Warbler now in the reedbed there. Two late Snipe were flushed, a pair of Stonechats were by Bunkers Hill Farm and a recently fledged Robin was hopping around.

Heading back home along the Eashing stretch produced a Ring-necked Parakeet over Milton Wood, a decent count of five Bullfinches and, best of all, my first Garden Warbler of the year, which was singing on and off in a bramble thicket by Eashing Marsh.

A singing Whitethroat was a nice garden tick at lunchtime.

Friday 22nd

A waterbody sweep began well at Tuesley on this grey and breezy morning with a Ringed Plover through. The bird was very vocal but clearly on a mission and chose not to drop in … two Common Terns were at Enton, while Frensham Great Pond produced a small flock of Sand Martins and a singing Firecrest.

I then walked Thursley, which was livelier than Wednesday despite the increasing wind. A female Cuckoo bubbling away over Will Reeds was a nice start – a male was later in song towards Elstead. A Yellow Wagtail over Pudmore was a year first for me, a Little Egret dropped into West Bog, a Raven was seen distantly to the west and a lingering Meadow Pipit was heard. A super tame Dartford Warbler capped off a decent visit.

Dartford Warbler.

A mid-afternoon cycle to Eashing Farm produced Whitethroat and Swallow.