Return of the Wood Warbler

 The first Wood Warblers were seen and heard in the woodlands close to Darley Dale today with two, possibly three birds present. 

The last week in April is typically when I expect them to arrive having wintered in sub-Saharan Africa although last year we had an exceptionally early record on 6th April. 

Garden Warblers have also returned in the last couple of days and I had my first Common Sandpiper at Chatsworth this morning so aside from the scarce migrants like Lesser Whitethroat, Yellow Wagtail and Whinchat we just have the Swifts, Spotted Flycatcher and Nightjar to look forward to.

Wood Warbler

First Common Swift over Darley Dale

 Although Common Swifts were first seen at Carsington Water on Monday I saw my first today flying directly over the garden in Darley Dale. Traditionally I would look out for swifts from the first week of May and often it would be into the second week before I saw one here but, in common with many other species, migrants are arriving earlier now.

I also added Garden Warbler and Turtle Dove to my April list today. 

Common Swift

I'm taking part in the National Turtle Dove survey this year organised by the RSPB and BTO so I was particular pleased to hear a bird calling today and will be visiting several sites where they have occurred in the past in the coming weeks. I'd also be very interested to hear of any other local records this year.

I've previously mentioned the plight of the Turtle Dove and their rapid decline in Europe, so I was saddened to hear in the last few days that the Italian Government has sanctioned further shooting of these beautiful birds this autumn. With 500,000 licensed hunters allowed to shoot 15 birds each the total birds killed could run in to the millions.

Here's a photo I took in Croatia in spring 2019.

Turtle Dove in Croatia

Lockdown day 33 - return of the Garden Warbler

The first of the returning Garden Warblers have been seen and heard in the last few days. Simon had the first I'm aware of on Wednesday (22nd) and I've had birds at Clough Wood and Hellbank Plantation in the last couple of days.
Arguably one of our most nondescript birds but it has a lovely song, similar to Blackcap but a little faster.
Still no Swifts, but I did hear another Cuckoo yesterday, and hopefully some Spotted Flycatchers should be on their way although they have been in short supply the last couple of years.

Garden Warbler

Garden Warbler - Clough Wood

I've struggled to find Garden Warbler so far this Spring but finally came across a singing male this morning at Clough Wood, which like the Wall Brown below, is one of the local strongholds for the species. I'm not sure if they are just late arriving or numbers are down (or I have just failed to see them!)

Garden Warbler

Garden Warbler - Clough Wood

I went looking for Garden Warbler this morning and Clough Wood is one of the best areas for them. They like the mixed scrubby areas and there were at least three males singing. 
The photo was taken at  06:30 this morning with an overcast sky at ISO 5000 using the Canon 5D III. Although the photo is a little grainy I wouldn't have been able to get any sort of shot with the 7D in these conditions.
Saw and heard my first Cuckoo of the year this morning, flying along Harland Edge.

Garden Warbler