Monday 28th
Parked at Cock Up and walked the central path across Burwell Fen. Weather glorious, warm and still.
Plenty of Sedge and Reed Warbler calling as well as Chiffchaff and Blackcap.
On the new pool (we do need to get a name for this pool) was a single Greenshank along with two Redshank. On the way back a female Garganey was visible.
On the main pool there was a pair of Garganey along with four Little Egret and a single Shelduck.
At least three Cuckoo calling and three female Marsh Harrier over the reeds.
One Swallow over the bridge but no House Martin.
Full sightings list: https://ebird.org/checklist/S230377243
Tuesday 29th
At work checking the nest boxes. Things are moving along nicely with a number of nests containing eggs.
Common Sandpiper (3) on the main lagoon and Avocet and Black-tailed Godwit very vocal and active.
Wednesday 30th
Out to Wicken Fen this evening, parking at The Visitor's Centre. It was a beautiful evening, warm and still and surprisingly very few people around.
Walked to Adventure's Fen to check out the pools. A good number of Little Egret feeding and further birds throughout the walk. The usual wildfowl were present and Grey Heron were also on the pools.
Throughout the walk Cuckoo, Sedge, Reed and Cetti's Warbler kept up a constant sound background. Blackcap and Chiffchaff were also vocal.
As I started up Harrison's Drove a Bittern flew over towards Burwell Fen. Further up the Drove at least two other Bittern were booming from different locations.
At the top of the Drove four Marsh Harrier were coming into the fen preparing for roosting. As the sun set I was pleased to spot two Hobby crossing the river and disappearing into the trees. These were the first for the summer for me.
Full sightings list: https://ebird.org/checklist/S231326482
Thursday 1st May
Swift return to over the house today. First heard at 11.00am. At least nine birds.
It's wonderful to hear them back. I always feel that summer has officially started when I hear them for the first time back. Here's to a good summer!
