Saturday 17th March

Two trips over today, one early one late. I did catch up with Blackcap, there were a couple of singing birds. Didn’t hear or see the Willow Warbler – but no problem we will be knee deep in them by the end of next week. I also missed out on Swallow, not once but twice,  once at Shustoke and then again at home where Joy informed me she had one over the garden!

Caught up with the Scaup again, it had been hiding on the small pool, but I located it on the main Reservoir this evening as it and all the Tufted flew in to roost.

I got dropped off this afternoon with the dog near Coleshill Town FC and checked out a few old sites for Tree Sparrow whilst I made my way back to my house. I saw no Tree Sparrows which is rather worrying. Incidently, I came across a road named after a “hit single” on my travels. Any guesses?

Also this morning – I had a busy day, I checked out Coleshill GPs but apart from a couple of Green Sandpiper and Snipe there was very little. Certainly no LRPs, but the site is rather overgrown now, it best days are certainly behind it.

Friday 30th March

Took a stroll around this evening but although the Scaup was reported today I didn’t see it. It was quiet all in all but there were around a dozen Sand Martins. It was nearly dark by the time I got back which will account for the lack of birds.

With this northerly wind, if we get the rain that we are due there should be a good show of migrants turning up over the next two weeks.

Thursday 29th March

Brian Berry had a Blackcap and Willow Warbler today as well as the Scaup and a couple of Grass Snakes. I never see snakes I’m always looking up!!!

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Wednesday 28th March

Got over tonight, again it was a fine evening and the Scaup was still present. It was at the western end and was showing quite well. There was a Green Woodpecker on the bank of the small pool and Nuthatch in the area. Four Sand Martin had gone through earlier (Des) and I had two late on whilst going back to the car.

Male Scaup, Shustoke Reservoir

Tuesday 27th March

Caught up with the Scaup at Shustoke – a fine male. Didn’t stop as I wanted to see the Garganey at Middleton. After having my fill of the Scaup I picked up the Captain and we arrived at Middleton shortly afterwards after negotiating the strange four way traffic lights outside of the Hall’s entrance. We started scanning and unfortunately the sun was a problem. I scanned the reed beds as that is where the bird has been but saw nothing. But we picked the bird up at the far end by the dead tree feeding away. It was also in company with a female Garganey but they were far to far away to get any photographs.

Whilst at Shustoke I met up with Steve Haynes who also had seen a Red Kite over the Reservoir earlier in the day.

Monday 26 March

To busy to get over and what happens Steve Haynes find a Scaup!!! It must have been off the car park!!!

Thursday / Friday

It is with regret that I have to inform you that the paved area most loved by visiting (and regular) birders has departed. God knows why. Severn Trent must have thought it was dangerous and fearing a law suit have removed it and replaced it with grass. So no more getting out of your car in carpet slippers and viewing the Reservoir in comfort any more.

Bird wise – the weather has probably been too good. Although last night four Shelduck flew in at dusk to roost. There was a single singing Chiffchaff and a Meadow Pipit but little else.

A trip over on Saturday proved unproductive there were around three singing Chiffchaffs but the site was heaving with people.

Coleshill Quarry was quiet as well but there were a couple of Green Sandpipers and two (or another couple) Snipe.