WOOD WARBLER at Henlow Grange

While on my usual walk around my local patch, heard a song which I thought was Wood Warbler - likened by a Swedish friend to the noise made by spinning a coin on a table top. Not quite believing what I had heard I spent more than 10 minutes trying to see the songster and almost convincing myself it was something more common. Eventually a bright Wood Warbler popped into view, larger and brighter than a Chiffchaff with bright yellow throat, white belly and greener upper parts. It was just north of the fishermans' car park at approx: TL182391 There seemed to have been an influx of the commoner warblers with three singing Sedge Warblers one of which included alarm call of Great Tit and Swallow plus the 'tirrick' of a Common Tern in its song; at least four singing Whitethroats (only one yesterday); and one each of Reed Warbler and Willow Warbler. All the singing Blackcaps that I laid eyes on were Blackcaps, so no Garden Warblers yet. Does anyone have any tips for separating Blackcaps and Garden Warbler songs, I struggle every year. And still 8 Wheatear on the horse paddocks alongside the railway line. Viewing was against the sun this morning so difficult to make out any detail. To see the Wood Warbler, park in Henlow village and walk in from the south. Entering Henlow from the A507, go over the first roundabout with the Crown pub on your left. At the Post Office/Village store on the right, turn right into Park Lane; in 100m Park Street swings left, you want to turn left (although effectively straight on) onto coach road with the cricket and football pitches on left. Park at the end in parking bay - by kiddies play area. DO NOT park at the Grange, they don't like it. Walk down the road towards the Grange, turn left at the bottom keeping school playing fields on your left. In 100m turn right and walk down to bridge over R.Ivel (this is a good spot for Kingfishers). Just after crossing the bridge turn left. The fishermans car park is 400m down this track. The Wood Warbler was singing in the alders and scrub just north of the car park. Alternatively, from the north park in Langford. Langford Garden centre might let you park in their car park and also have a café that does coffee and cakes. Walk south down Common Road which becomes a track and then a foot path. Keep going south with the pits on your right. The scrubby area on the bank of the second pit is particularly good for warblers with singing Sedge Warbler, Whitethroat, Blackcap and Chiffchaff this morning. Eventually, you will come to the fishermans car park (Roger Hicks)