Patchwatch

The joys and frustrations of patch birding.  Joining 'the Prof' today for a walk round Walthamstow Reservoirs with the anticipation that only a warm spring morning after a day of dull and damp conditions can bring. Bouldering towards the ressies, the morning started with a couple of Common Tern over Low Maynard.  Three more then headed north that may have been the same group seen earlier.

Heading out onto Lockwood, a first summer male Northern Wheatear was present along the shoreline until it sat up on top of the tower at the northern end of the reservoir providing great views.

A Peregrine was seen distantly on a pylon where attempted nesting appears to be taking place.  A pair of Pheasant were present at the north end and walking back round, a Common Sandpiper loitered along the fringes before flying off onto one of the islands.

While crossing Forest Road, a Kingfisher shot through whilst making our way onto the southern complex.  A Lesser Whitethroat called and showed exceptionally well atop a bush along with a Sedge Warbler, and a Cetti's Warbler were in the immediate vicinity.

Blackcap were ubiquitous and a Common Whitethroat sang and displayed between the Warwicks.  At least two Reed Warbler were in voice along West Warwick.

Numerous Shelduck and Egyptian Goose were present throughout the complex, and Little Egret were seen regularly in flight.  Three Shoveler lingered on No.4 and another Common Tern flew in.  Two juvenile Greater Black Backed Gull were sat on the main island.

Hirundines trickled through all morning with Swallow and Sand Martin dashing through in modest numbers.  A group of House Martin wheeled over the filter beds.

The clouds thickened, the threat of rain and the hope of something a little different dropping in.  A touch disappointed that nothing materialised.

As the morning warmed up, Butterflies were active with good numbers of Small White and Green-Veined White.  Orange-Tip, Peacock, and Small Tortoiseshell were enjoying the pleasant conditions with a Brimstone and Holly Blue also noted.

A total of 62 species of bird and seven species of Butterfly were reasonable returns, but it could have been better.....

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