Patchwatch

Pretty routine again with the failure to connect with any passerines of real interest.  Despite reports of Whinchat and Wheatear over the weekend, the paddocks were quiet once again albeit with the ubiquitous sound of Common Whitethroat of which a minimum of six singing males were counted.  A Lesser Whitethroat rattled by the railway line, and at least one Reed Warbler was in song in the small reedbed by the boardwalk.  A pair of Meadow Pipit were content with a morning game of 'chase-me' over the cow field, two Shelduck flew low over the relief channel, and the Sand Martins were present again over the Lea.

Walking round to the Waterworks NR, I was pleased once again to have had a close encounter with another of my canine friends, the owners presenting typical indifference to my howls of unadulterated fear.  A high flying Yellow Wagtail called as it passed over the Pitch 'n' Putt.  A Gadwall and an Egyptian Goose were loitering on the River Lea overflow.  A single Lesser Whitethroat was present along the railway track.

In the reserve itself, Reed Warbler and Cetti's Warbler were in song, as was another Lesser Whitethroat, while Sand Martin were busily passing overhead.  Nine Common Pochard and two Little Grebe were present on the water.  A Peregrine carrying prey flew purposefully to the west over the Lea Bridge Road being mobbed by Gulls.