Dam End:- WeirWood early morning with light rain and a very light breeze. First of all 6 Common Terns, 12 variously aged Herring Gulls, a male Grey Wagtail, Little-ringed Plover and 2 Common Sands. On the dam slope a male Green Woodpecker plus 2 Jays. As the rain eased a very early Hobby appeared along the north bank. At 6:14 an Osprey showed up from the west end being harassed by the gulls and then made its way along the north bank, then returning to the west end much to the annoyance of the gulls. Superb bird appearing to be an adult. At 6:30 a beautiful ad’ Little Gull dropped in, landing on the aerator for a few minutes before heading off north east. So far no sign of the Red-footed Falcon in the now pleasant conditions. A bit early. By the fishing lodge a Garden Warbler was in song with 2 Blackcaps, nice comparison. A couple of pairs of Great-crested Grebes were indulging in weed dancing and at least 14 Mandarin were noted. Then whilst waiting for something to happen a male Great spotted Woodpecker fed in the tree right next to me giving crazy views down to a few feet! Best of today’s birds turned up at 7:13 when 3 Spoonbills flew south west over the dam and carried on going disappearing over the west end. Not a bad morning.
West end:- it was very much status quo, Common Terns and Black-headed Gulls nesting, Reed Warbler in front of the hide singing and a Little Egret. On Whillett’s a Water Rail and 2 more Reed Warblers plus 2 smart male Reed Buntings. A Red Kite flew over the pool and a male Sparrowhawk was present dashing through the trees. I left at 8:00hrs.