It felt a lot like Spring today. As soon as I stepped out of the car, a singing Skylark fluttered over spreading the good news across the riverside. Lapwing were particularly engaged in pursuing potential mates, amorous pairs wheeling together over what will hopefully be a fertile breeding ground. This Short-eared Owl remained perched on a fence-post at the back of Aveley Pools. The Owl looked ghostly through the light mist under a weakened sun. There was no problem catching up with the Dartford Warbler today, as it.. darted from bush to bush, and was then seen singing from the tops. A male Kestrel was seen nearby devouring an unfortunate rodent, and there were plenty of Cetti's Warbler calling from the reedbeds. The air was still and during the height of the afternoon, it felt positively balmy, the views across the pools appeared mystical. A few drake Pintail were in close company with the Wigeon , Teal , and Shoveler , a quartet of just st...