With the prospect of high temperatures and a sunny day as described by the BBC weatherman, I set off early in thick fog and 9C for a morning's visit to Tophill. On arriving, the fog had cleared to a great extent the temperature had risen to 10C but the skies remained grey. After reviewing the sightings board (a pair of Garganey being reported yesterday), I set off for South Marsh East. The work done there is reaping benefits already. Nesting and breeding is well underway, there are more Common Tern nests than I've seen before. The first Black-headed Gull chicks were strutting about on one of the islands and even a Lesser Black-backed Gull appears to be sitting. Amongst the Black-headed Gulls, I noticed four Little Gulls had roosted, all were sleeping most of the time and they remained until around 11-00am when only one stayed. There were most of the expected duck species present but no sign of the Garganey. Waders consisted of Oystercatcher, Ringed Plover, Little Ringed Plover and Redshank. I was hoping by now (10-00am) the skies would be bright for some Kingfisher photos but it was still grey as I made my way back to D res before going on to North Marsh. The skies over D res were full of Common Swifts this morning, with a few House Martins present also. On the reservoir wall, a pair of Yellow Wagtails were busily collecting insects, presumably feeding a brood not too far away. A Barn Owl crossed the reservoir on its way to North Scrub and a Cuckoo called from the same area. The Kingfisher was already on its perch as I entered the hide and carefully lifted the window flap. It seemed undeterred and stayed for about ten minutes, frequently catching and eating fish before carrying one off. With the usual compliment of warblers, woodpeckers and the like, another good visit to this favourite site.
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