15th May

A very early and brief visit, in drizzly and murky weather, before a long journey north. Highlights included another pair of Egyptian Geese, this time at Wintershall Ponds, with the species seemingly increasing here. This isn't totally surprising, given the huge amounts at nearby Busbridge. Indeed, I have always found it odd that they are traditionally infrequent here. Neither the Mute Swans or Gadwall were at Mill Pond.

North of the border, a Pied-billed Grebe on the rather remote Loch Feorlin was conveniently placed not far from our overnight stop, and I enjoyed distant views of the male, which has seemingly paired up with a Little Grebe. Indeed, the female had about 4 chicks in tow - sadly distance and weather conditions prevented me from getting even slightly good views of the young birds, but the Pied-billed certainly kept a close guard, and was aggressive towards any species coming too near. Highlights from both as follows:

05:40-06:20 (Thorncombe Street)

Mill Pond: 1 Tufted Duck (♂) and 1 Blackcap.

Combe Farm: 1 Buzzard and 4 Red-legged Partridges.

Wintershall ponds: 2 Egyptian Geese and 1 Blackcap.

Bonhurst Farm: 4 Greylag Geese, 2 House Martins, 3 Blackcaps and Linnets.

15:20-17:10 

Loch Feorlin: 1 Pied-billed Grebe (♂), 1 Little Grebe (+ 4, possible hybrid, chicks), 2 Hooded Crows, 1 Raven, 1 Cuckoo, 3 Willow Warblers, 1 Wheatear (♂), 1 Buzzard, 2 Grey Wagtails, 5 Lesser Redpolls, 15+ Skylarks and 30+ Meadow Pipits.