This morning (May 18th) a drake Garganey was on Longham Reservoir South, not far from the island. It’s the first of the year, and quite overdue. Garganeys are one of the site’s spring specialities.
Also this morning, a Cuckoo singing, a few Sand Martins among the Hirundines, and a male Gadwall. Gadwall has never been confirmed as a breeding bird at Longham, but a pair has been present this spring, so here’s hoping. It would also been good to confirm Cuckoo as a breeding bird.
Some additional records from the last week or so:
16th May: Ringing: 20 new birds this morning and 18 retraps. New birds included 1 migrant Chiffchaff and 1 Common Whitethroat, while local breeders included 6 Reed Warblers, 2 Reed Buntings, 2 Blackbirds, 2 Song Thrushes, 2 Greenfinches (pair caught together), 1 Goldfinch, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker (breeding male with brood patch) and 2 Bullfinches (above; pair caught together). Retraps included 8 Reed Warblers.
13th May: 2 Cuckoos and lots of Hirundines (Lorne Bissell).
10th May: An excellent 42 species in the morning, the highlights being 1 female Redstart and a Raven (Lorne Bissell). Also 1 Red Fox.
What no birds? It’s gone a bit quiet on the blog front, just like the patch. Did double tick remote control planes and boats last week at same time.