randombirder

A decent end-of-April push for incoming migrant birds topped by a trip of dotterel in Gamlingay on the 24th April found by Mark Thomas. On my visit, seven birds were present viewed distantly from one of the convenient parking areas but numbers fluctuated during their two-week stay with a maximum of 13 observed across this period.  The weather was glorious this weekend so a trip to Wilstone on the 25th, a rare visit to my former local patch produced a nice range of species including the long-staying lesser scaup , a first-summer little gull ,  cuckoo , garden warbler and a  common sandpiper . On the 26th, a visit to Ouse Fen RSPB produced another nice selection of birds including three bearded tit , crane , 13 hobby , great egret and a cuckoo .

Making the most of an extended Easter break, I chose to spend time around a few sites local to home (including the patch), the furthest of which was Fowlmere RSPB, a convenient 20 minute drive into Cambridgeshire. There is something uniquely satisfying about discovering wildlife within the local area. After such a wet and at times bleak winter, a couple of days of warm sunshine was most welcome and hopefully a precursor to an agreeable spring and summer. Having returned from Albania the day before, it was surprising to see temperatures lift to 26C on Wednesday 8th. And when the weather improves, nature responds. So instead of travelling further afield, the day (8th) started with a walk around the patch, that produced a surprise sedge warbler singing from the depths of a scrubby area at Weston Hills NR. A willow warbler attempted song along the hedgerow opposite Bush Wood, a late fieldfare flew north, a raven flew low west, and three each of corn bunting and grey partridge were pre...

Back at Terminal 5 making the most of my Amex Companion Voucher bagging return flights to Tirana for £9 return. Customary views over Terminal 5 from the airplane departing from Runway 27R. The flight (and the same for the return leg) was really enjoyable with great views over the Alps en route to southwest Europe. Arriving at Tirana Airport for a few days in a new country, picking up the hire car and immediately heading south for a night's stay at the charming town of Berat. The view from the hotel room window was spectacular. The weather was quite cool, to be expected for early April but rain that threatened to dampen the day thankfully stayed away. The town was also relatively quiet, with the anticipated tourist rush presumed for later on in the season. And for this reason, spending time here was extremely relaxing. The town is easy to navigate on foot, crossing Gorica Bridge and strolling along the River Osum passing a range of quaint restaurants and bars. The backdrop of snow-c...