Signs of Spring

A few spring migrants were apparent today.  My first Willow Warbler of the year was found by Kevin Holt and Alan Stevens.  Although a common species, it is always nice to hear their pleasant wistful song and is a classic sign of Spring.

Willow Warbler - Not a great photo but the first of the year, so I just had to include it.. 

The legs may look black but I can assure you it is a Willow Warbler and not a Chiffchaff.

Plenty of Chiffchaffs were singing around the lake as were a few Blackcaps.  A Reed Bunting emerged from a likely nest site and a pair of Great Crested Grebe were doing their head shaking "dance".

Great Crested Grebes

 Along the west bank a Treecreeper was singing in an area where I have heard one several times recently.  Not always easy to see, but this one obligingly appeared straight away, albeit a bit distant for a small bird.

Treecreeper

On the sand spit a single Little Ringed Plover was present along with the two "resident" Oystercatchers and several Lapwings in breeding plumage.  A few Wigeon and Teal remain.  A single Little Egret joined the 20+ pairs of Grey Herons and 30+ Cormorants that already have well grown young.