A Spring in my Step

They are not rare. I certainly didn't find them. They were not even the first for the year at the reservoirs. But the half an hour I spent sitting on the bank of East Warwick this afternoon watching two Sand Martins hawking over the water was, without doubt, the highlight of 2015 so far. It is amazing how the first migrants of the season lifts spirits even when it is cold and drizzling.
       By the time I got to East Warwick, the Sand Martins had already been seen by AW, SF and PL although I did not know that until I crossed the road and looked at the book. I had, as usual, first spent a couple of hours slowing walking round Lockwood. The drake Scaup was still in residence along with five Goldeneye but the female had apparently done a runner overnight. A Chiffchaff sang from the top field but the personal highlight for me was my first two Green Sandpipers of the year on the overflow channel.
         Earlier two Goosander had been seen (AW I think) going north and a Common Sandpiper was on High Maynard despite work on the Lockwood by-pass continuing even on a Sunday. Another Common Sandpiper or perhaps the same one was also in Scaup corner of No 4 and I also had two female Goldeneye on East Warwick. The Cetti's Warbler was heard - but no by me - around the first bridge and Water Rail and Reed Bunting were also recorded.

DB @porthkillier