Waiting for migrants

Expectations were high for at least a Willow Warbler or Swallow on this morning's walk, but despite promising conditions there was very little change compared to yesterday, with mainly territorial Blackcaps and Chiffchaffs the only summer migrants noted. Counts from the past two days included 18 Mute Swans, 10 Mallards, six Canada Geese, four Little Egrets, 17 Redshanks, two Common Sandpipers and the Dunlin still, with just the odd Buzzard, Sparrowhawk or Raven overhead to disturb the peace. A pair of Shelducks appear to be prospecting for a nest site on the racecourse, no doubt encouraged by the lack of activity there as of late.