A couple of the swallow’s mates finally showed up. At least three today, plus the first couple of house martins. Four singing blackcaps, willow warbler and half a dozen chiffchaffs were all in good voice early on but silent later.

At least one brambling was still at the works hedgerow, a male, approaching breeding plumage. Brambling has now been promoted to  favourite finch spot.

Waders were represented by two oystercatchers, eight curlews, green sandpiper and a snipe.

A few fieldfares hang on and a couple of tree sparrows were down Mill lane.