I went for a lovely stroll down the Downslink with a friend this morning towards the heronry. The Glossy Ibis was living up to its name and looking splendid in the strong sunlight. The Grey Herons and Little Egrets on nests were making a proper racket and as we watched and listened to the out of tune orchestra a Hobby flew over our heads. In the distance, Claire spotted a soaring Stork and a Great-Crested Grebe was diving for food on the distance too. A bit of a surprise was catching sight of a Common Tern on a post in the floodwater near Rye Farm. Two Nightingales were singing in that area too, and I managed to spot my first Treecreeper of the year. What a novelty to have a warm, sunny day!

Lesley Millward, 9th May 2024