Osprey over N.W.

An Osprey flew North West over the reservoir at 1845 this evening. It was on a route across the reservoir  that I have seen Ospreys take on at least three occasions at Thornton.

Yellow Wagtails arrive.

 Up to 9 Yellow Wagtails were in the field above Stoney bank this evening.

 Two had quite grey heads and could be females or winter plumage adults of the central European race flava. They may just be females of the British race flavissima. Which ever it is they are smart, but not as smart as the bright yellow males.

Willow Warblers are now singing around the res. There was also a Lesser Whitethroat singing and showing well on Stoney bank.

Adult Mediterranean Gulls.

 I was surprised to see two adult Mediterranean gulls fly over Thornton Reservoir at 0800 this morning.

 They flew in from the east. They did not stop and flew off to the west. Luckily I had my camera! Do they plan to breed somewhere? I was not aware that there are any breeding to the west of us.

Dave Wright found this elegant Arctic tern on Thursday18th. It is still here today. (19th)

Black-necked Grebe.

A cracking summer plumage Black necked grebe was found at the Markfield  inflow.(Well done Jim)
It is several years since we had a B.N. grebe, so this beauty was much appreciated.

Migrants Arrive.

All 3 hirundines are now frequenting the res. There are also plenty of Chiffchaff and Willow Warblers. One or two Blackcaps have been seen ,but I have not as yet heard any singing. A Redshank flew up from the dam calling on the 9th and 2 Arctic terns were brief fly overs at 0730 today(14th). A single Common Sandpiper was on the dam this evening.

Kittiwake

 As I walked along the dam an adult summer Kittiwake flew above me and then wheeled out on to the reservoir. It then landed with a small group of Black headed gulls.

 I managed to get a good view of the bird as it sat on the water. It had a clean white head and a yellow bill. On first seeing the bird I had noted the black wing tips, and lack of mirrors, thus excluding Common gull.

The bird suddenly took off and I was only able to get some distant shots as it flew off to the North East.

 The above shot does show the black wing tips.

 The bird flew off with some Black headed gulls in their normal direction, perhaps towards Swithland and therefore may be worth looking for tomorrow.

March/April is a peak time for this species to pass through Leicestershire. I think I have only had Kittiwake once before at Thornton.

Other news is that a White Wagtail is frequenting the fields above Stoney Bank( east side of the res)
There are up to 12 Pied Wags and 20 Meadow Pipits in this area and I am certain that a Yellow Wag will  join them soon!