Shorncote patch

6 March - A beautiful early spring morning, so a walk at Shorncote before work. At least 10 singing Reed Buntings, and 5+ singing Cettis's Warblers were harbingers of spring, in contrast overflying Redwings and Fieldfares were signs of winter not yet being over. 15 Shoveler was a good count, a Water Rail was heard, and a Little Grebe fairly unusual here. 3 Grey Wagtails logged, but no waders, not even a Lapwing. 2 Goldcrests and 4 Meadow Pipits were probable migrants. No sign of a passage Bittern as yet (seen last year). The Stonechats appear to have moved on, and there were 5 at Blakehill yesterday evening, probably also passage birds. The Black-necked Grebe and male Scaup were still on pits 65 and 57 respectively on 3rd at least, I 'll have another look in the next few days as the Grebe might start to moult into summer plumage for the camera.