Wednesday 31 May

Out this morning 06.00 - 07.00. Cool and brezzy.

2 LBB Gulls, 2 Herring Gulls and 10 BH Gulls only birds on the scrape today. A few days since I have had any waders here. Across the East Scrub and West Scrub (Open Area) didn't really add much apart from a Cuckoo, Willow Warbler, Sedge Warbler and ubiquitous Whitethroat.

Along the railway by Abbey Mead Pit I had good views of a Lesser Whitethroat singing and a Chiffchaff at eye level as well as 2 singing Nightingale. A Kingfisher flew low across the lake and another Cuckoo was calling.

Along to Brooklands Lake which was awash again with hirundines. Today it was mainly House Martin (c100) and c50 Swift and a few Swallow. I didn't connect with any Sand Martin. A Sparrowhawk gained height over the lake and circled above the hirundines. It seemed to be missing secondaries on each wing which was quite distinctive. At least 5 Reed Warblers were singing along the path by the railway alongside Brooklands Lake - as well as 1 Cettis Warbler.


A Pied Wagtail was again feeding young around Brooklands car park.


I took a picture of this Wood Avens by the bridge to the car park. Unfortunately the light wasn't great.

Along the Mill Stream I heard another Reed Warbler and at least 6 Blackcap as well as a Great Spotted Woodpecker.

Back to the car a Great Tit was feeding noisy newly fledged young in the bushes.