Otmoor

12 May - An excellent morning visit to Otmoor in sunny, but slightly cool and breezy conditions. Looking like a real wetland after the rain, with drumming Snipe and good numbers of Redshank and Lapwings (5). 3-4 Grasshopper Warblers were singing, along with Reed and Sedge Warblers, Whitethroats (3) and Lesser Whitethroats. Up to 8 superb Hobbies (8-9) were hawking over the reedbed mid-morning, and at least 5 Red Kites (6-7) were around along with Buzzards. A Cuckoo and a Turtle Dove were calling along the bridleway. A Grass Snake (10) was sunning near the car park. A pair of Common Terns (4) were over the reeds, and a Little Egret and a female Wheatear were outside the hide. An enjoyable spring visit after the recent miserable weather, the Swifts and hirundines were enjoying the sun for once. Photos JM.