Spring arrived well and truly on Sunday. Opening the garage door revelaed a herald moth, which was quickly followed by other spring messengers including little ringed plover, sand martin, swallow, osprey and chiffchaff all being reported. In addition the woodcock turned into 3 woodcock today! This expansion in numbers last year seemed to occur just before a movement - so I exppect all to disappear imminently. Brambling were still about, along with both buzzards. However the bittern was the biggest draw for most - showing from 8.30 to dusk immediately below the hide on North Marsh - needless to say the photos coming back have been excellent. To prepare for the little ringed plovers their island needed prepping for their return with new protective netting and cleaning. This was undertaken by the Sunday volunteers as pictured. Half way on our epic voyage we encountered a stowaway - a bank vole which had been living under the boat seats all winter - he was returned safely to the mainland after our successful voyage. Other sightings included great crested newts and a water diving beetle.
