Cholsey Marsh, 11th May.

Overcast, minimal light rain, 16º, light to fresh SW.

4½ hrs on the marsh.

2 Mute Swans, several Canada and 3 Greylag Geese on the river, a couple of the Canada Geese had goslings with them also several Mallards some with young.

3 to 4 Great Crested Grebes along the stretch of river next to the marsh.

Red Kites, Buzzards and 1 Sparrowhawk overhead and a Kestrel hunting.

2 Grey Heron in the vicinity.

A distant Lapwing was the only wader seen and a distant lone gull, probably a Lesser Blackback.

A brief view of a Cuckoo in flight but could not relocate it, 2 Kingfishers along the river and several Great-spotted Woodpeckers seen carrying food.

As rain threatened up to 12 Swifts, 30+ House Martins and c20 Swallows were feeding over the area on several occasions.

2 Pied Wagtail carrying food on the opposite bank.

9 Warbler species seen/heard,
1 Garden Warbler,
3 Blackcaps,
5-6 Whitethroats,
3 Lesser Whitethroats,
10+ Sedge Warblers,
2 Grasshopper Warblers,
2+ Reed Warblers,
2 Willow Warblers and 3 Chiffchaffs.

Several Jays on the opposite bank.

Linnet, Greenfinch, Chaffinch, Goldfinch, Bullfinch, Yellowhammer and 6 to 8 singing Reed Bunting present.

57 bird species noted on or around the marsh.

12+ Banded Demoiselles and 3 Common Clubtails seen along with 4 Butterfly species.

After the driest April on record, House Martins are having a hard time not finding enough mud for nest building. How can you help?

http://www.rspb.org.uk/news/279080-mud-glorious-mud

                                   Reed Warbler

                                   Whitethroat

                                          Reed Bunting