Monday 9th April

A visit this morning between 06.15 and 8am. Not as cold as the last few days, bright and still.

A Fox wandered through the gates of the Water Works as I pulled up this morning. As I walked past the scrape (which is still very full) I heard the first of 8 Blackcap this morning, across though the West Scrub a Willow Warbler was in song and the first of 12 Chiffchaff was singing from an exposed perch. I walked down towards Brook House but this area, which usually by now holds a few Nightingale was very quiet. There were 2 Great Spots however down here.

Back across the East Scrub I added 2 further Willow Warbler. Around the end of Abbey Mead to the river. A Giant Hogweed in growing on the bank just along from the steps. Here I heard the first of 6 Cettis Warbler.

The Heronry was as entertaining as usual with lots of activity and calling amongst the dozen or so birds. A lone Shelduck was on the river.

WREN IN FULL SONG

Around Brooklands Lake and back along the Millstream only added a Bullfinch calling, a Goldfinch a Green Woodpecker and the 3rd Great Spot of the day.

A GREAT SPOTTED WOODPECKER HOLE (WITH BARK CHIPPINGS ON THE GROUND) ALONG THE MILLSTREAM PATH

YOUNG GIANT HOGWEED ALONG THE MEDWAY