Cholsey, 11th May.

Sunny spells, 14°, light to fresh WNW.

Another early visit to Cholsey Marsh produced two Cuckoos, vying with each other for the attention of a female that may or may not have been there; well at least I didn’t see her!

Lots of Warblers singing on the marsh, Grasshopper, Reed, Garden, Sedge, Willow, Blackcap, Whitethroat, Chiffchaff and a Lesser Whitethroat closer to Bow bridge.

A single Kingfisher flew towards Bow and 2 more flew across the river over the marsh.

A Water Rail seen moving in to the marsh and Treecreeper and Great-spotted Woodpecker noted.

2 Swallows hawking the marsh, a couple of Swifts overhead and a Grey Heron flew upriver.

A Green Woodpecker heard calling and a couple of Stock Dove seen also.

2 pairs of Bullfinches as usual in the blackthorn along the river bank and 5 singing Reed Buntings.

At least 2 Grebe nests and 2 Coot nests have been washed away as the river has risen.

Lindon homes in their wisdom have turfed and put bollards up on the verges along Ferry lane, Why!

More than likely to make the entrance look nice and tidy for their prospective buyers. To me it looks rather twee and sanitised and has lost some of its character, not to mention plants and insects that were there.

I doubt very much if any environmental impact was considered or any consultation with Cholsey Council taken.

A check on Lollingdon hill found little, a few Linnet and 2 Buzzards over. It looks as though Wheatear passage has dwindled out as none seen in the past two days! Watch them prove me wrong next week!