26th Mar 2018: Redshank

John: A new bird to add to the year list appeared on Friday evening, with a surprisingly mute Redshank, which lingered to dusk. While I was watching it, a very vocal Snipe also zipped over. Both are less than frequent at the reservoir, although Snipe are relatively easy to encounter in the Upper Cherwell during the winter.

Mark located a Little Ringed Plover at the reservoir on Sunday and today, it or another was foraging along the western shore. I also heard a singing Chiffchaff in the rain on Saturday morning, while Mark had one or the same on Sunday afternoon too.

Other sightings of note in recent days have included a pair of Shoveler on Friday morning, Peregrine, the regular pair of Wigeon, up to 3 Lesser Redpoll and several Siskins in the wood.