Black Terns at Dernford Reservoir

24th April 2026

I was photographing the Marsh Harriers at Fowlmere when news came through of 17  Black Terns at Dernsford Reservoir so off I set as it was only 20 minutes down the road. When I arrived it was confirmed they were still there and I was reliably informed there were in fact 18.

They were centred around the island but feeding across the whole reservoir. These 10 birds were resting next to the island and then burst into the air.

I walked round to the other side of the reservoir as at that time of day the sun is behind you and managed to get some shots of birds perched by the island.

Black Terns last bred in the UK in 1978 so these days are migratory, travelling from their wintering grounds on the west coast of Africa to mainland Europe.There is also a populaton in America. They feed by picking up insects from the surface of the water and are very graceful in flight.

And here is one picking insects from the surface of the water or having a drink.

All this glorious activity was interrupted during the afternoon when this aircraft from Duxford flew across the reservoir. Not one I recognised but apparently it is a Grumman Wildcat, an American aircraft but in service with the Royal Navy, and renamed Martlet. Never heard of it.

Well, what a fantastic diversion and thanks to Alex Kew for the aircraft identificaion and supporting information.

Dartfords and Redstarts at Thursley Common

18th April 2026

Great to be back at one of my favourite sites where I spent many hours studying dragonflies back in the late 1990s, and despite being ravaged by wild fires recently looking in tip-top condition. A beautiful sunny Spring day with little wind so ideal conditions.

My targets today were Dartford Warbler and Redstart, but first a gentle wander to see what else was around. The boardwalks were beginning to warm up and were attracting Common Lizards to bask in the morning sun.

Their typical colour is dull brown but they can also be tinged with red, yellow, grey and green.

I kept on hearing the distant flutey song of the Wood Lark but not long enough to track them down. When I did manage to find one, instead of posing on a Gorse bush or Silver Birch sapling, it insisted on posing on the only power line crossing the site. Well, you can't win them all.

So now for the Dartford Warblers. In previous years I have found them to be hard work, but this year I came across them as soon as I left The Moat and saw more today than I have managed in all previous visits put together. However as normal it is a bit of cat and mouse game with some just peering out from a Silver Birch sapling.

On the other hand some were more flamboyant and would perch up on a more traditional Gorse bush...................

.........................and even pose for the camera!!!!

And some nearly got away.

And this one was clearly feeling left out of it and came and perched on a log just 12 feet away.

And finally the prime target for today, the Common Redstart. I found them in two locations today but this one was the most cooperative.

 

And even entertained me with a burst of song.

And we all have to get lucky some time. No pre-capture here!!!!

Well, what a great morning and now to do battle with the M25.

A Spring Visit to Ivinghoe Beacon

14th April 2026

A beautiful Spring day so time to explore the hills around Ivinghoe Beacon. The first area to view was the slope below the car park where a Dark-edged Bee-fly was sunning itself on the warm ground.

On the bird front there were many of the usual suspects including singing Chiffchaffs and Blackcaps.

Also a single Whitethroat, my first of the year.

One surprise was this male Yellowhammer which I can't recall seeing on this slope before, but I am sure they must be there as the habitat is perfect for them.

Now down at the bottom of the slope and the start of the climb up to Galley Hill. The first birds to appear were a pair of Meadow Pipits which were already in song flight with their amazing parachuting routine.

And not far away a pair of Sky Larks which quite often sing from the ground................

.....................although never as inspiring as their song flight.

Now on top of the ridge and the far side of the slope is covered with small Hawthorn bushes which are home to several pairs of Linnets, with the males looking stunning with their rosy breasts.

And also a Willow Warbler, a relatively scarce bird these days, singing from the top of one of the Hawthorns.

At that moment there was a loud "kronk" overhead as a couple of Ravens flew over, one of which was in wing moult.

Now back on the flat in the area around the sheep pens and a male Stonechat sat up on a bare twig. The female kept her distance.

But the stars of the show today were the 15+ Wheatears in the area.

Some were fairly confiding, but there were also a couple of posers who had done all this before.

Nearly got this one in!!!!

Well what a fantastic morning and I'm sure another visit will be on the cards.