Farmoor extravaganza..... And a Swallow

25 March - A beautiful calm spring morning, with Farmoor looking like a mirror. Excellent close views of the stunning summer-plumaged Red-necked Grebe down to 20m or so (presumably the returning passage bird that's been seen, spring and autumn, for the last several years - where does it winter?) and similar close views of one of the two the Great Northern Divers in the SW corner of F1. Also seen - Dunlin, Redshank and Grey Wagtail, and a daytime Barn Owl from Pinkhill hide. In the afternoon, a lone Swallow flew N over the garden, and a quick check at 74 revealed a Swallow with 50+ Sand Martins.