I spent the past week birding in Lichfield with Owen Parsons and Marc Hughes, and one of the highlights was a visit to Middleton Lakes RSPB.
Walking around the reserve, we enjoyed observing numerous species and some early migrants. Three bitterns were heard booming in the distance, while our first Sedge and Reed Warblers of the season flitted briefly through the reedbeds. Among the many species we recorded were:
Little Ringed Plover
Cetti's Warbler
Blackcap
Goosander
Shelduck
Robin
Avocet
Great Crested Grebe
After a rewarding few hours at Middleton Lakes, we headed to Napton Reservoir. Owen and I had visited earlier in March, but Marc hadn’t seen a Ferruginous Duck in several years. The male Ferruginous Duck performed beautifully, and we also connected with our first Yellow Wagtails and a very showy Common Whitethroat of the year.
Ferruginous Duck
Common Whitethroat
Yellow Wagtail
It was a fantastic morning of birding, and there was no doubt that Spring is now in full swing.