Return of the Swallows

A look down Oulton Marshes this afternoon, in the hope that the reported WT Eagle might fly past (as I was already down there) as it was flying south from the Norfolk Broads, produced instant dividends when I heard a singing male Blackcap at the bottom of the entrance hill and 30 yards right from there.

It flew across the track and was chased by another male Blackcap, my first of the year.

Down by the river track, I heard the familiar call of Swallows and 2 excellent Swallows flew past and west over Peto's marsh. A nice early date. On the marshes were 2 Shelduck and several Greylag (15) and Canada Geese (10). Constant scanning of the horizon revealed just a distant Marsh Harrier and no other sought after raptors.

A Snipe flew over calling and flew north. Up to 4 Chiff- Chaffs heard and 2 Green Woodpecker flew in the tall trees of the copse and a hole under the divisive "V" of main branches from the top looked suspiciously like a potential nest hole.

Cetti's Warbler were heard along the dissecting path but not seen. A lot of people either walking dogs (2 groups), cycling (2 people) (always just before I walked down any of the paths of the reserve) or even setting up a camp fire (5 people with motorbikes!!) at the bowl led to a lot of disturbance of the area and consequently nothing else was seen.