Bits and pieces,,

Just a couple of patch visits last week did result in my first MANDARIN (67) for over a year, when a pair flew passed me as I walked up towards the moat. A brief walk at the weekend had a real spring feel with 6 CHIFFCHAFF counted singing around the grounds, there were also again good BUZZARD numbers with 5 seen together.
Also at the weekend Bec and I headed to Elmley, as I hadn't caught up with SHORT EARED OWL this winter, we weren't disappointed, one bird and briefly two were watched from the track to the hides in some really nice light, occasionally coming close enough for a photo or two. Other birds included good numbers of AVOCET and still plenty of WIGEON and TEAL around the reserve. We were constantly accompanied by the sound of displaying LAPWINGS and treated to their fantastic aerial displays. Three MED GULLS called as they flew along the Swale, later two were sat on the far side of the flood. A few MARSH HARRIERS were present as expected, it was nice to see so many LITTLE EGRET along the entrance track some pretty close too.
Other sightings so far this week include CIRL BUNTING, WOODLARK (several), BLACK REDSTART and SERIN these were all seen on a short walk before breakfast this morning as work took me to Bologna, Italy for a couple of days.
Here are a few Elmley photos

Lapwing

Reed Bunting

Short eared Owl

Short eared Owl

Short eared Owl

Short eared Owl

Mute Swan

Redshank