A little video of the Marsh Sandpiper at Normandy Marsh early yesterday morning.

A great morning at Normandy Marsh. So pleased that the Marsh Sandpiper decided to stay another day for us, a life ✅. First time we’ve seen summer plumage Barwits and nice that a Curlew Sand dropped in. So much to see and watch, a brilliant place. Hants Bird News

Strong winds and a few heavy showers didn’t deter the birds or a brilliant days birding on Dartmoor yesterday. Heard our first Cuckoo of the year and also a couple of views of a reeling Gropper. Felt cold out there though 🥶🥶.

Another nice Spring morning on the Levels, great to see the return of Yellow Wagtails to the ‘moor’ plus a couple of Wheatears. Once again all songsters singing, new additions this week to the chorus Reed and Sedge Warblers. Avalon Marshes Somerset Birds bto_somerset1

And so the season starts, Green-winged Orchids on a local hillside. Always lifts my spirits!

Just can’t resist a Wheatear, this one having just been soaked in a heavy shower still happily feeding from a fence post as we drove across Tealham Moor. Somerset Birds bto_somerset1

Out & about on the Levels between sunshine & showers. Good distant views of the ‘fudge’ duck in the sun, wonderful spring birdsong & a stunning Wheatear on the way home across the moor. Nice to see & chat with familiar ‘birding’ folk along the way. Somerset Birds Avalon Marshes

‘Waiting at the bus stop’ …. Great Bustards on Salisbury Plain yesterday, a few of a group of 31 seen

A wonderful cold day in Wiltshire and Dorset yesterday. G Bustards, Corn Buntings, Red Kites, Stone Curlews and numerous Hares and ‘that’ Shrike. Many thanks to ian hayes and Diane for the company.

A brilliant morning walk at Ham Wall once the rain stopped with a grand finale of great views of 4 Glossy Ibis. Avalon Marshes RSPB Ham Wall Somerset Birds bto_somerset1

Also still at Cheddar Reservoir the two Little Gulls, a 1st and 2nd winter I believe 🤔🫣Somerset Birds bto_somerset1 BristolBirding

At least 12 Scaup still at Cheddar Reservoir this morning, great to get such good views of them. I guess it won’t be long now until they head north. Somerset Birds bto_somerset1 BristolBirding

Yaffle …. We have been hearing Green Woodpeckers at a few places but haven’t seen them until finally we took a walk through our local ‘wild’ cemetery. A dull overcast morning lit up by Yaffles colours and laughing call. 😀 BTO AVON BristolBirding

What a difference a little sun makes, a lovely walk around Ham Wall and Shapwick. Signs of Spring everywhere…. Avalon Marshes RSPB Ham Wall Somerset Birds

A sunny day forecast & just couldn’t resist a trip to Dorset to see the Great G Shrike & it certainly didn’t disappoint, showing well in a great wild location. Also managed to catch up with the Yellow B Warbler with good views but constantly on the move… Dorset Bird Club

Spent a good 5 minutes being entertained by this charming Weasel as it appeared and disappeared within the rocks at Ham Wall this morning. Never knew what rock it would appear in next, dare I say it reminded us of ‘whack a mole’! … RSPB Ham Wall Avalon Marshes BBC Springwatch

Singing Woodlark ….

Overcast Grey skies didn’t dampen the spirits of Woodlarks in the New Forest yesterday, an absolute joy to hear their wonderful song and get prolonged views. The appearance and drumming of a L S Woodpecker, plus Brambling etc made for a great morning in a wonderful place