Spring At Summer Leys

 I'm working tomorrow which obviously isn't great but the compensation for that was that I had today off instead. Alan Shorrock and I ventured along to Summer Leys where we enjoyed a sunny stroll around the reserve. With a few incoming migrants on show and a small selection of butterflies on the wing it really felt like Spring.

Willow Warbler (top) and Chiffchaff

A singing Willow Warbler near the car park greeted us on arrival and showed well, at least half a dozen Blackcaps were also singing around the reserve. There was not too much to see from either Rotary or Pioneer Hides while Paul Britten Hide was similarly quiet apart from a few Snipe. Alan's first Little Ringed Plovers of the year were noted on one of the islands near the screen, for some reason there seems to be fewer Black-headed Gulls breeding here this year. Near the feeding station a male Orange-tip was my first of the year, he or another was seen near Mary's Lake a minute or two later. Also showing around Mary's was the first of at least six Brimstones and these included two females in their number. Completing my day's butterfly list was the first of two Peacocks, there were good numbers of Bee-flies around as well.

Sand Martins and Kestrel

Deciding to walk a circuit around the reserve payed dividends as a Sedge Warbler was heard singing near the Toad Pond. I didn't manage to see it in the brief time that it sang but Alan did catch a glimpse as it moved through the bushes. We also enjoyed watching the comings and goings at the Sand Martin colony though there was not that much else to report as we completed our stroll. Looking ahead Sunday's weather looks good for incoming migrants, hopefully I can find a few on one of my local walks.

Butterfly trio.