This weeks highlight must be the number of cuckoos around the reserve. We had at least three individual birds calling around the reserve on Sunday - with two on North Marsh alone yesterday. The southern end of the site seems to be best for views - thanks to Roy Vincent for these great shots from this morning:
Marsh harriers still around site - also by Roy this morning:
Perhaps one of the most satisfying sightings was of lapwing with chicks on Hempholme Meadow this morning - one of the target species to breed. Hopefully the weather and corvids will leave them in peace. Nearby the common whitethroats are also giving some nice photo opportunities - thanks to Jeff Barker for these:
And also by Roy Vincent
Warblers in general are showing well at the moment in full territorial song; sedge warbler by Roy:
And female blackcap:
Displaying great crested grebes on D res:
The best of the rest has included common sandpiper x 2 on the 6th, garden warbler, a scaup seen by Erich Hediger on the 5th, and of course the American drake ring-necked duck still present amongst 1000's of swifts, swallows and martins taking advantage of the insects to be found even in the afternoon rains - Roy Vincent:
