How has the habitat recovered from last year's fire Dave?
Superficially, the reedbed has recovered to the extent that it now looks pretty much the same as it did before the fire. Ecologically, I think it may take longer to recover - especially for some of the invertebrates to get back to the same levels as before - that may be why the early Gropper didn't linger. Also, the reedbed is being kept much wetter than previously, in order to restrict any future fires from spreading. We're certainly not out of the woods yet this year - I reckon it will take about another month until the new reed growth is established sufficiently. Until then, the reedbed is still worryingly vulnerable to arson attack - especially if there are prolonged periods of dry weather.
Further birds recorded today:
Little Owl at Ladywood
Kestrels at Ladywood, Tapenhall, Jacob's Ladder, Copcut Lane and Coney Meadow (2)
Willow Warblers at Porter's Mill, Mildenham, Ladywood, Droitwich Community Woods and Salwarpe/Coney (3)
Lesser Whitethroats at Jacob's Ladder, Tapenhall, Porter's Mill, Copcut Rise and Droitwich Community Woods.
Common Whitethroats widespread and increasingly common
Snipe Coney Meadow at dusk
Ravens at Tapenhall and Jacob's Ladder plus Salwarpe area
2 Gadwall Tapenhall
Hirundines widespread with some sizeable concentrations, especially over New Mill floods - c150 total (30+ each of House Martins and Swallows, rest Sand Martins)
3 Yellowhammers around Egg Lane / Jacob's Ladder
Female Cetti's Warbler called from Coney reedbed
A couple of Meadow Pipits in the Tapenhall area
Grey Wagtail + 3 well-grown nestlings close to fledging
Tufted Duck at Porter's Mill
Nuthatch, Treecreeper, Coal Tits, Reed Warblers, Sedge Warblers, Goldcrests, Chiffchaffs, Blackcaps, Mistle Thrushes, Coots, Skylarks, Kingfisher, Mallards with ducklings, GSW and Green Woodpeckers, Collared Doves, House Sparrows, Starlings, Buzzards, Sparrowhawk, Grey Herons etc.
Muntjac at High Park.