Early April Adventures

A bit of free time and a need to see some sunshine, I've recently visited Pennington again, a quick trip in to the New Forest and equally quick trip to Blashford Lakes.  Sadly the last two were in cold gloomy conditions, as the wind has shifted to coming from the East and man it's cold!!

First up, pics from Pennington.. Avocet mating and some tidy Spotted Redshank.

Hadn't seen a swallow, sand martin or house martin this year, then picked up all three circling the reservoir by the ancient highway,

Next trip was to Acres Down in the New Forest - in the search of Redstart and Cuckoo.  I had thought I was a bit early for these Summer migrants. This cold wind is coming from the wrong direction to encourage the little birds to cross the channel, but after an hour of searching the paths and woodland I spot a pair of Redstart..  and then, I was finding them everywhere!  Must have seen a dozen males in the area I walked today.
Lots of crossbill in the tree tops and finally heard a cuckoo near the car park.  And then it was time to drive to Blashford and finally get warm..  The sun was being shy today.

A distant male Crossbill

At Blashford, the new Tern Hide is open and it's massive!  I've lived in smaller places!
It offers good views of more of Ibsley Lake, a more panoramic view, but it's still Blashford.  A place that serves a purpose (well) but hard to get excited about. You go to Blashford simply to pick up Winter 'ticks', and any other rarities that are listed.

Two Little Ringed Plover close to the hide, a Common Tern flying around and a Sandpiper shot past quickly. Too quick for me to ID.   Then a quick look in the Woodland Hide, hoping to see some Brambling. None seen and the lack of sun meant little point taking pics. 
That didnt stop one lady taking about 700 pictures of the same three or four blue tits and great tits on the feeders.. God knows why anyone needs that many pics of 'battery hen' wildlife. 
We're all different I guess.

Where to go tomorrow???