Patchwatch

Relatively quiet this morning around Walthamstow Marshes with my first Willow Warbler of the year singing opposite the paddocks along the edge of the relief channel.  Two Sand Martin were seen flying over the River Lea and a couple of Meadow Pipit flew over.  Singing Blackcap and Chiffchaff were numerous.

At the Waterworks NR, the Cetti's Warbler was in song, and Teal numbers have now reduced to six, with a pair of Tufted Duck and two Little Grebe.  Three Stock Dove flew over, and three Sand Martin were viewed from the reserve, two of which appear to have been same birds seen earlier at the Marshes.  The only raptors were two Kestrel, and a single female Sparrowhawk.

Butterflies provided more interest with a first Orange-Tip of the spring, while two Speckled Wood, five Small White, three Peacocks, and a Comma were on the wing.

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