New Rookeries and nesting LAPWINGS; first WILLOW WARBLER too

SATURDAY 21 APRIL

More sunshine and showers, with less of the latter than in recent days. A recovery in temperature too - up to 13 degrees C when the sun was out. Wind was a light northerly.

CHESHAM FISHING LAKES (BUCKS)

Thanks to Chris Pontin, finally secured my first local WILLOW WARBLER of the year - a singing male in Willows on the island at the east end. Also 4 singing Common Chiffchaffs and up to 7 Blackcaps, with 3 House Martins over the Poplars.

Nesting wise, pair of Mute Swans on Pow Wow (with 2 more on the large lake), 2 pairs of Atlantic Canada on the island and 2 active Coot nests; Tufted Ducks numbered 21 with both Great Crested Grebes still prospecting around the island on the larger lake.

An immature CORMORANT on the larger lake was unusual, with 3 Wrens, pair of Long-tailed Tit and singing male REED BUNTING noted.

BURY LAKE AND PEDNOR ROAD AREA (BUCKS)

By far and away the most exciting find was of 5 active LAPWING nests in a recently tilled field, whilst a plethora of 'new' ROOKERIES was also greatly received - 18 nests opposite Sear's Farm, a further 13 nearby 200 yards further on and 30 on the left hand side at Pednor Bottom.

A Brown Hare was seen at Great Pednor, with a SWALLOW in BALLINGER COMMON

CHESS VALLEY (BUCKS)

A LITTLE EGRET was near Bois Mill, whilst at Frogmore Meadows, 3 singing Common Chiffchaff, Jay, Blackcap, Song Thrush, a calling male Red-legged Partridge and a single SWALLOW was noted
At Chenies Bottom, the resident pair of Mute Swans was nesting by the bridge (female 'T2L'). A pair of Greenfinches was also displaying