Martin's Haven & Marloes Mere, 19 April

The Gargeney were wonderful. I spent about an hour but could not relocate them after they had flushed. Still several pairs of Teal around, Mallard and a couple of Dabchicks. Heard brief snatches of song from a distant Reed or Sedge Warbler in the Mere.

Like Derek, lots of Wheatear on the fields on the south coast back to Martin's Haven: incredibly bright plumages. 20+ in the newly-fallowed/sulphured field, so the process must be good for feeding, and also appreciated by a party of 5 Choughs

Martin's Haven: 3 male Blackcaps feeding intensively but not singing, 4-6 each Willow Warblers and Chiffchaffs, some singing briefly but not continuously. Good numbers of Linnet, but not obviously holding territory. A pair of kestrels circling fairly high, late in the afternoon; did not otherwise see the normally resident kestrels that frequent the valley.
Found a slow worm, saw a badger!