Local perambulations......and a Red-necked Grebe

5 April - Some local birding this morning in showery weather - at CWP 74, LRP, 2 Ruff, 2 pairs Goldeneye, 2 Shelduck and a singing Sedge Warbler, as well as reduced numbers of Teal, Wigeon, Shoveler and Pintail. At Waterhay, 2 Willow Warblers singing by the reedbed and a Raven flew over mobbed by Carrion Crows. At Blakehill, a Curlew calling and feeding on the far edge of the plateau - also a Swallow over, a singing Blackcap and a Stock Dove, as well as 18 Linnets. Photos this am - Yellowhammer (1,2) Raven (3) and Swallow (4,5) JM. I called in at Farmoor this afternoon and had good views of the very smart summer plumages Red-necked Grebe found this morning - possibly the same individual that spent several weeks on the reservoir last autumn (then in winter plumage?). It came reasonably close to the bank at times for the camera (7-10).......