Yellow wags at Farmoor Resevoir

Popped into Farmoor Reservoir to look for arctic terns but none about. Instead found 6 Yellow wagtails on the causeway. Farmoor is a great place to see them on spring passage where they are often seen in good numbers.

Yellow wagtail on the causeway at Farmoor Resevoir

Grasshopper warbler at Cholsey Marsh

Grasshopper warbler is one of the commoner birds that I have never managed to see. Having failed twice this week to find any at Port Meadow, I noticed on the OOS website that they had been reported at Cholsey Marsh BBOWT Nature Reserve. I arrived at about 8.00am, parked the car and immediately heard the reeling of a least 2 birds. One was showing well and I managed to get a photo. The reserve follows the Thames for a short while and is full of warblers at this time of year. Those observed included garden (4), blackcap (1), sedge (numerous), reed (2), common whitethroat (numerous). Despite listening out for lesser whitethroats, none were heard or seen. Single kingfisher, green and great spotted woodpecker, reed buntings, a male sparrowhawk and 2 red kites provided additional interest.

Grasshopper warbler : UK lifer 260 (BOU list)

Gropper reeling at Cholsey Marsh Nature Reserve. One of 4 seen or heard.