Bolton Ings - 7th May

Paid an early morning visit to Bolton Ings for the first time since 15th April, weather was good, blue skies no rain but still only 6c. Highlights were Wheatear at western end, 21 Pochard including 6 females and my first Grasshopper Warbler, Reed Warbler, Sedge Warbler and Lesser Whitethroat of the year. Not many young birds about but did see Canada Goose, Grey Lag Goose and Coot young. Still 3 pairs of Oystercatchers present, a pair of Common Terns on the island where they nested last year and 833 Black Headed Gulls counted, over 100 less than last visit although all these seem to be nesting now. Full list as follows:- Mute Swan 4, Canada Goose 23 (broods of 2 and 4), Grey Lag Goose 14 (broods of 2 and 3), Great Crested Grebe 3, Little Grebe 8, Mallard 12, Gadwall 18, Tufted Duck 44, Pochard 21 (15 males, 6 females), Coot 60 (broods of 2, 2, 2, 1 and 1), Moorhen 4, Buzzard 1, Kestrel 2, Lapwing 12, Oystercatcher 6, Black Headed Gull 833, Common Gull 1, LBB Gull 6, Common Tern 2, Wheatear 1, Willow Warbler 13, Blackcap 10, Chiffchaff 10, Whitethroat 6, Lesser Whitethroat 1, Grasshopper Warbler 1, Sedge Warbler 2, Reed Warbler 1. Had a brief visit to Old Moor after and had great views of the newly arrived adult Med Gull from the mere hide.