Abberton Reservoir in Mid-April

16th April 2023

The first spring migrants are starting to arrive now so off to Abberton to view the transition from winter to spring. What was immediately noticeable was the number of insects on the wing like this mining bee Andrena sp. and Speckled Wood.

However, what was totally unexpected was this Pike skull that had been left on the reservoir wall for all to see. The skull was about 7 inches long and therefore must have been at least a 20-pounder.

Between the causeways a Buzzard was making hard work of flying across the reservoir with its squadron of Rooks escort.

The Great Crested Grebe are now looking very smart in their best breeding attire and there were a few half-hearted attempts at the weed dance. but one brought a leaf and the other dropped the weed!!.

Along the margins a Goldfinch was feeding on Groundsel seeds and a male Bunting was taking time off for a bath.

It was nice to have the Common Terns back although still in relatively low numbers. They usually like to sit on the railings by the sluice but due to the currently high water levels these are underwater, so they have had to compromise.

I am particulary pleased that they are back as I really enjoy trying to get some flight shots.

But the stars of the show today were the Little Ringed Plovers that were running around on the Layer de la Haye causeway. Always so confiding so that it was possible to photograph them down to just 10 yards