One Martin doesn't make a Spring!

I generally find that the first hirundines of the year are Sand Martins, followed by Swallows, then House Martins. This year I've already seen a Swallow and today this was joined on the year-list by a Sand Martin tazzing around over the sluice at Strumpshaw: no House Martin yet!

The weather was lousy, but Brian & I took a four-mile walk around the reserve, picking up a few odds and ends: a flock of Egyptian Geese were photogenic, as was a briefly interesting Teal. Everywhere, female gulls were getting the good news from their mates - despite the cool drizzle, it must be Spring!

Photo by Brian Tubby