Willow Warblers Arrive!

I suggested a few weeks ago that Willow Warblers would arrive at Bingham's Pond around about the 16th; well they arrived in some numbers yesterday (23rd). Eight birds, some in song, were actively feeding together in the trees on the north west corner of the pond. Also present in the same group of trees was a male Blackcap, Goldcrest, Long-tailed Tit and 2 Great Tits. A poor, still photo from an 'attempt' at videoing one of the Willow Warblers follows...........

A male Sparrowhawk swooped low over the pond creating havoc with the feral pigeons whilst, soon after, 2 Swallows also flew over.

On the pond itself both Coot and Moorhen were on nests and the Tufted Duck numbers remained healthy with at least 43 birds present.

In total, I saw 23 species of bird in just over 1 hour. My running total for the pond is now 40.

I managed a very quick visit this afternoon (24th) and at least 2 Willow Warblers were still in song.