11th - 12th April 2025

Saturday, 12th April: A bit more cloud this morning, although still generally bright and sunny through the day, with a moderate breeze E4, becoming more SE later.

Bilsham farm: On the reservoir this morning were two Egyptian Geese and half a dozen Mute Swans, together with 12 Tufted Ducks, four Gadwall, four Mallard and two Little Grebes, and a Swallow flying over.

Egyptian Geese on Bilsham reservoir

This evening, at an undisclosed location, a Short-eared Owl showed fairly well before dusk, albeit distantly, giving nice scope views. Also located were three Reed Warblers, a Sedge Warbler and two Cetti's Warblers, plus a Yellowhammer.

Distant views of the Short-eared Owl

Friday, 11th April: Just a hint of frost with another cold start, but soon warming up due to a much lighter breeze today. Generally bright and sunny, with some haziness offshore, but feeling pleasantly warm in just a light NE - SE breeze, 1-2.

Elmer Rocks: As nice as it may be, the benign weather and prolonged settled conditions often don't make for the best birding, with many incoming migrants passing over high and unseen, not needing to seek rest along the coast....as was the case today really. There was next to nothing of interest moving offshore and waders along the beach were the main interest; ten Turnstones and 14 Sanderlings were feeding before the tide rose, then a flock of 30 birds, apparently all Oystercatchers, flew in...but on closer scrutiny there was an odd one out, which subsequently proved to be a Whimbrel. A Common Seal was also fishing fairly close in.

A single Wheatear was on the beach as were four Linnets, with another pair of the latter carrying nest material into the long hedge. Around the hedgerows behind the beach there were a couple of singing Chiffchaffs, but precious little else except a single Blackcap and a Swallow which flew over.

This flock of Oystercatchers held one other species, which I considered probably a Whimbrel (seventh from right)  - and I was pleased to say I called it correctly, as this much enlarged image just about shows the downcurved bill!

and below, the Common Seal near the rock islands

Elmer & Ancton: A look around the horse paddocks area produced yet another Black Redstart for the spring, though this one was not very co-operative most of the time. Also present were the pair of Pied Wagtails still collecting nest materials, whilst three Blackcaps and four Chiffchaffs were in the woods behind, and two Green Woodpeckers were coming and going. A Swallow - or perhaps two - was flying over the area, perhaps one of the local nesters returned?

Black Redstart at Lane End paddocks; this was elusive at times but eventually showed well enough to clinch it, though note the 'bleaching effect' of the strong sunlight on it's plumage.