All quiet on the south-western front

Down in Devon this weekend catching up with good friends Jaffa and Helen. An early morning jaunt around the Otter Estuary in a light south-easterly proved rather unproductive. Plenty of Swallows, Willow Warblers, Chiffchaffs and Blackcaps were about and a Sedge Warbler was heard, but there was no sense of movement. The resident Whimbrel (Will.i.am) was seen and a male Red-breasted Merganser showed down to just a few metres on the river (photo below). Moving on to East Budleigh Common 2 female Wheatears and a Dartford Warbler were seen, but it wasn't long before we called it a day and headed to the legendary Lawn Bakery for a Maple and Pecan Slice and an Iced Chelsea. 26 Common Scoter and a Guillemot offshore and 1 Peregrine from Brandy Head this evening was a nice end to the day.

World Land Trust Chelsea Flower Show exhibit launch

Rachel and I attended the launch of the World Land Trust's RHS Chelsea Flower Show exhibit Saving the Atlantic Rainforest at the Linnean Society of London this evening. The UN has declared 2010 the International Year of Biodiversity and as part of this campaign, and in celebration of their 21st birthday, the WLT is highlighting the plight of the Atlantic Forest of South America at this years Chelsea Flower Show.

The Atlantic Forest is one of the world's top biodiversity hotspots with extremely high levels of endemism, but it is also one of the most threatened ecosystems with only 7% remaining. The WLT will be recreating the Atlantic Forest on their stand to raise awareness of the forest and the threats it faces.

It was great to catch up with friends and meet new people. Sir Ghillean Prance, a leading authority on the Atlantic Forest, complimented us for our work on the REGUA website (very high praise indeed) and later gave an excellent speech on the importance of conserving the Atlantic Forest. We'll be helping out at the show at the end of May. If you want to come along, the stand will be located in the Lifelong Learning section. Click here for tickets. To find out more about the World Land Trust click here.

Migrant shortage

A Reed Warbler (heard only) and an increase in Sand Martins (21+) were the only new arrivals at the London Wetland Centre today. No Swallow influx, Yellow Wag or Common Whitethroat yet. 1 Little Ringed Plover is still on the wader scrape along with 8 Redshank and wildfowl have more or less cleared out with only 32 Teal, 12 Shoveler, 13 Gadwall, 18 Pochard and 119 Tufted Duck remaining. Others seen include 2 Cetti's Warblers (photo), 9 Common Snipe and 1 Peregrine over.

Swift fodder

An hour at Staines Reservoirs this evening was fairly productive with 2 Oystercatcher, 2 Redshank and 2 Shelduck on the North Basin, a Great Northern Diver and 4 summer plumage Black-necked Grebes on the South Basin, and 22 Goldeneye, 23 Wigeon, 1 Pochard, 2 Teal, 70 Tufted Duck and around 300 Black-headed Gulls. Unfortunately there was no sign of the pair of Garganey. With no wind to keep them at bay, the notorious flies were out in force (photo). Although they are non-biting they are still a right pain, but when the Swifts arrive they are gonna love em! Earlier today I went for a run in Richmond Park and had a Common Buzzard over east.

Ultimate skywatching

Took part in the first Tower 42 Bird Study Group migration watch in London today. Conditions were far from ideal with north-westerly winds, rain and poor visibility, which meant there was nothing in the way of visible migration going on. The breathtaking views across central London from the roof went a long way towards making up for the lack of birds (photos below), but I can't wait to get back up there in better weather to see what passes over (or under).

For more on today see Peter Alfrey's Birding Notebook and the Tower 42 Bird Study Group blog.

LRP

1 Little Ringed Plover on the wader scrape (finally), 1 House Martin, 4 Sand Martin and 7 Redshank seen today in a quick look at the London Wetland Centre. At least 1 pair of Lapwing are on eggs now as well.

Hello hirundines!

With light southerlies today and migrants turning up everywhere, I was hoping for something a little more interesting at Barnes this afternoon. An Osprey perhaps? Okay, just a Wheatear would be nice! I had to settle for 2 House Martins and a Barn Swallow over, which were my first of the year, but not much else. I missed a Little Ringed Plover yet again, but had 4+ Sand Martins, 8 Redshank, 5 Chiffchaff and 3 Common Snipe and the summer plumage Water Pipit was still on the Main Lake. 9 Wigeon, 24 Gadwall, 19 Pochard, 49 Shoveler and 30 Teal are still hanging on, but Tufted Duck numbers remain fairly high with 145 present. Also had extremely close views of 2 Water Voles - presumably some of the reintroduced animals.

Just found out that an Osprey and 2 Curlew flew over Beddington Farmlands today - damn! Click here for some excellent vis-mig shots.