Hadham Hall Lakes 26.09

An early start to catch any migrants gave great views of several unusual birds. Chiffchaffs were still calling along with a solitary blackcap gave the impression it was spring. The warm weather certainly made it feel this way. At the large lake were 2 tufted ducks along with a record 9 mallards. On the banks was a grey wagtail and in the hedgerows a willow warbler. 6 lesser black backed gulls winged their way north and skylarks passed in a southerly direction. A count of over 24 in a 15 minute period. To add to the spring like day, a female common blue butterfly was photographed, shown above. Also shown, a grey wagtail, selection of ducks and one fo the overhead gulls.