Watery Water Park

4 May - Unbelievably high water levels, with the Thames overflowing and Waterhay car park submerged (3). Swifts and hirundines desperately looking for food, and feeding low over the lakes - I saw my first Hobby of the year over pit 57 briefly, and waders included 8 Whimbrel in the usual field by pit 83 (1) together with 2 Black-tailed Godwits and 2 Oystercatchers (2), and 3 Bar-tailed Godwits were on the bank at pit 74, one in entirely brick-red summer plumage. A Common Sandpiper was by the gate at 74, and Common Terns were in reasonable numbers. The Nightingale was also still singing at pit 74. All it needs now is some decent weather.....photos JM.