A pretty much painful and quiet few weeks since last post with little wildlife watching opportunities. A group of 40 or so Lapwings over the golf course on the way to first Covid jab on Hayling a fortnight ago were presumably local birds looking for a marginally warmer, drier and sheltered daytime roost.
Locally, still two drake Pochards and little reduction in Tufted Ducks but Shovelers are down to single figures. Two Cetti's with one near the swan's nest site on two days. A Common Gull perched up was the first this year. Today the refuge was empty and had been mowed so no cover for last week's Meadow Pipits but still 22 Pied Wagtails and three more on the walk. Despite the sunshine the cool wind kept insects hidden so no hovers, Buff-tails nor Hairy-foots.
Back on the pond the swan's were displaying and mating so I guess nest building will start soon.
Elsewhere in the country Sand Martins, the odd Swallow and Wheatear, Garganey and Ring Ouzel plus a local Stone-Curlew - all signs of things to come. Chiffchaff have been absent this winter but must surely be the first migrant species to pop up around here.
