Summer is definitely here

WEDNESDAY 06 APRIL

 

Well British Summertime really did arrive today with temperatures in the Chilterns and elsewhere in Southeast England reaching a somewhat balmy 22 degrees C (72 degrees fahrenheit). In fact, after the remnants of yesterday's cold front finally gave way to high pressure this morning, the day was glorious.

 

Sadly, I was unable to take advantage of the conditions until after 1500 hours, but then made the most of it.....

 

HOLWELL COURT, NEAR COLE GREEN (HERTS)

 

The Rookery in the plantation at TL 273 113 held 18 active nests

 

IVINGHOE HILLS NR (BUCKS)

 

There was no sign of the male Common Redstart in Incombe Hole this afternoon nor later this morning but noticeable was the widespread arrival of WILLOW WARBLERS - with 5 singing in Top Scrub and another in Incombe. There were also 5 Common Chiffchaffs in Top Scrub and at least two male Blackcaps, whilst later in the evening, Sally noted 7 Northern Wheatears on the adjacent meadow.

 

BLOWS DOWNS PADDOCKS (BEDS)

 

At 1800 hours, the superb male COMMON REDSTART was still showing very well at the eastern end of the Paddocks, flitting from the ground to the wire fence with the sun full on it. It could easily be seen from the new fencing bordering where the work on the new tramway is being undertaken

 

WILLINGTON GP (BEDS)

 

Thanks to a suggestion by Steve Blain, I finally managed to connect with WHITE WAGTAIL this evening - a nice male associating with 21 migrant Pied Wagtails on the short grassy field adjoining the new footpath to Dovecote Pit at Willington. The flock also held 19 resplendent YELLOW WAGTAILS - all bar one males. Four Meadow Pipits were also noted, as well as the 198 Barnacle Geese - and the pit held Oystercatcher (pair), Ringed Plover (pair) and Common Redshank.

 

NORTON GREEN (HERTS)

 

At dusk, Darrel Bryant very kindly guided me onto 4 male NORTHERN WHEATEARS on the main plateau - my belated first in the county this year

 

Kind regards

 

Lee