After the recent run of unseaonably cold northerly winds with rain, sleet and snow it was a joy to be out on the wetland this morning in fine and sunny weather with only a light breeze. With the abatement of the winds, it seems that waders were among the first species to take advantage with a nice collection of waders using the farm. A flock of up to six Whimbrel have been about for a few days and it was good to see them still here. Of more interest was a fine summer plumaged Black-tailed Godwit and the first Greenshank of the spring. The former was on L-shaped field, whilst the Greenshank was using the scrapes on Middle Field. Three Ringed Plover arrived during the morning whilst a Little Ringed Plover was also present for a short time. Just as the cold winds arrived, the farm had hosted a small flock of Redshank and a Ruff, whilst a nice build up in Snipe numbers peaked at 29 on 28th April. All very pleasing and showing that the lovely areas of wet mud are doing their job for passing waders. A total of 12 wader species have used the farm during April, so hopefully we can look forward to further arrivals during the next few weeks.
The first Little Gull to be recorded on the farm was seen on 13th April giving nice views as it hawked over the flooded areas.
Other migrants have been slow in arriving with the first Whitethroat on the farm only seen this morning. Two Sedge Warblers were singing today, although two had been seen on 14th April. The 14th April also saw the arrival of the first ever Grasshopper Warbler to be recorded on the farm. Somewhat overdue, but pleasing nevertheless. Chiffchaffs seem to have arrived in good numbers, and there is a good scattering of Willow Warblers now also present. The breeding bird surveys will be carried out as usual, with the first survey visit already completed. It is however pleasing to note that two pairs of Curlew are present, whilst Lapwings continue to frequent a number of fields. We can only hope for some better weather soon and hopefully a productive summer.