Messingham Area....

A visit to this great area today resulted in plenty of spring bird action with my first Swallows,Willow Warbler,House and Sand Martins,White Wagtail and Blackcaps of the year,with the latter showing very well at MSQ,with one particuler male showing brilliantly in the open while he sung his little head off.There was also lots of displaying and mating behaviour amongst the local wader population,with the resident Redshank and Lapwings putting on a great show.Other goodies enjoyed today included a singing and displaying male Woodlark,10 Avocet and an adult female Marsh Harrier,which all showed well,with at least 5 Common Buzzard also.
 At last there was also some insect action in the brief spells of sunshine with me seeing a single male Brimstone and Small Tortoiseshell and several Gorse-shield Bugs and Seven-spot Ladybirds,huddling out of the cold wind in the now glowing Gorse bushes.I also managed to see my first Common Lizard and Smooth Newts of the year and also a couple of Common Frogs.Mammal interest was provided today by at least 15 Brown Hare.

 A good day despite the cocked up weather forecast again!.