An excellent morning on the patch with a nice sprinkling of early return-migrants:
1 Garden Warbler in hedge along the bridleway between 'Honey Hill House' and 'Abberley View' near Tapenhall.
2 Common Redstarts - 1 between Chatley and Tapenhall and another near Mildenham.
At least half a dozen Willow Warblers (some singing) - including lovely yellow juveniles.
8 (eclipse) Mandarin Ducks near the pond between Chatley and Hawford. 2 flew over Mildenham later - probably from the same flock.
1 Little Grebe and a family of Coots on the same pond.
1 of the Sedge Warblers in Coney Meadow had a BTO ring - several juvs with it. Willow Warbler here also.
Also seen: Coal Tits, Reed Warblers, Goldcrests, flocks of House Martins and Swallows, Yellowhammers, Chiffchaffs, Common Whitethroats, Buzzards, Sparrowhawks and Kestrels, Grey Wagtails, Goldfinches, Mute Swan, 7 Canada Geese, juv Robin, Bullfinches.
Insects included lots of Brown Hawkers, Common Blue, Holly Blue, Southern Hawker, Gatekeepers, Meadow Browns, Speckled Woods and Red Admirals.