03rd Apr 2015: Robin Aggression

Walking up by the river this morning I came across two Robins in a full on grappling match and showing their characteristic aggressive behaviour. Presumably both were males contesting territory and a mate (a third bird was watching), they were locked in this battle for at least two minutes.

Over the whole area there are many Chiffchaff singing away. I lost count of how many I heard but it was easily into double figures. There are also now two Coots on the reservoir!

The two Shelduck were still at the Borrow Pit pool and either the same two or another two flew around over the reservoir late morning. A single Swallow flitted through but only briefly and was away further north.

Late afternoon Tim Clark had 35 swallows and 1+ Sand Martin through the reservoir in the rain. Also a Tufted Duck on the reservoir and the two Shelduck and a Teal on the Borrow Pit pool.

Tim has also recorded Alexanders along the canal tow path near the M40 bridge. Apparently this is an expanding, but still scarce, species in VC23 and possibly the most northerly record for the vice county.