A few missing this year.

Sunny, 20º light E

An early visit to Cholsey marsh this morning was a chilly start to the day with the temp down to 4º and a heavy mist over the river and surrounding banks. Lots of birds singing with ten Wren, fourteen Sedge Warbler, four Reed Warbler, five Whitethroat, four Chiffchaff, six Blackcap, four Garden Warbler, one Chaffinch, six Blackbird and five Reed Bunting. There were more Sedge Warbler further north along the river bank and two Lesser Whitethroat also. Two Song Thrush singing on the opposite bank along with some more Sedge Warbler (approx thirty in total) and Green and Great-spotted Woodpecker.

Disappointed there is no Grasshopper Warbler or Willow Warbler (apart from transient birds earlier in the spring) this year on the marsh and the Cuckoo is a very erratic visitor this time also. The marsh is still quite wet for this time of year but whether this is a reason I do not know. Also no Bullfinch heard or seen so far in the usual breeding spots.

Later in the day a visit to Lollingdon hill produced a few Swift feeding over the hill and a Great-spotted Woodpecker flew across the south face only to return a few minutes later carrying food.

Whitethroat, Linnet, Yellowhammer and Corn Bunting present also.

A ♀ Broad-bodied Chaser seen on Lollingdon hill and five species of butterfly.

Western Orphean Warbler in Devon today - re-identified as a Lesser Whitethroat!.