Because of the rain there wasn't a great deal of action from the small woodland birds, although Great Tits, Dunnocks, Chaffinch, Wren and a couple of Song Thrushes were singing. A Common Buzzard was feeding on the ground by the main entrance and I was very lucky to see a Jay flying overhead. A Skylark was singing over the top fields. Finally, on the small bird front was a lovely flock of approximately 30 Siskin, which were in the Larch trees by the top reservoir.
Out on the water there were a few signs of spring with my first record of Canada Goose for the year! This species usually appears around this time and has been known to stay and breed. I'd be surprised if this happens this year now that the water levels are back to normal and the raft has been removed (health and safety reasons!). Along with the Canada Goose was the hybrid Canada Goose x Domestic Goose that has been present every year from at least 2006.
Hybrid and Canada Goose
As well as the geese there was a pair of Great-crested Grebes on the middle reservoir. Both birds were in full summer plumage and although no dancing was seen, I'm sure they'll stay to breed this year as they looked very "friendly" and were in the correct area where successful breeding has taken place in previous years.
Other water birds present were: Mallard (36), Coot (14), Moorhen (7), Black-headed Gull (17), Mandarin (8), Grey Wagtail (1), Tufted Duck (16) and Little Grebe (1 heard on the bottom reservoir).
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