Went to Dunge yesterday-raining at first but stayed dry with a small sunny interlude. Not a bad day but few photographic opportunities. Finally had a brief view of a Bittern in flight from Dengemarsh road. This was my first of the year in Kent. New for the year were 2 Swallows, 3 Sand Martins, Common Terns at the patch, 2 Whimbrel, 2 Black-necked Grebes in summer plumage, 4 Blackcaps, 3 Willow Warblers, and 1 Yellow Wagtail. Nothing in the trap this morning but somewhat ironically just saw a female Blackcap on the garden feeders-I usually get one in the winter but this one was the first for 2 years. 2 Swallows don’t of course make a summer but I think spring has started at least. No moths to report.

 

Black-necked Grebes