Report from 26 to 30 April

Earlier in the week there were still several hundred waders around, mostly Ruff and Wood Sandpipers. They are drawn to La Cassinazza’s wetlands since none of the surrounding ricefields have yet been flooded due to the drought. A spell of settled weather mid-week, with calm clear nights, meant that most of the Ruff decided to resume their northward journey, and now there are only a few dozen left. A Black-tailed Godwit spent a few hours here one day, and a handful of Spoonbills have been putting in sporadic appearances. Once again we heard the characteristic reeling of a Grasshopper Warbler, but although it was loud, clear, and close, like always it remained impossible to see. The Hoopoe influx continued this week, albeit in much lower numbers. New arrivals for the season included Hobby, Spotted Flycatcher, Turtle Dove, and Bee-eater. The first dragonfly of the year flashed past me before I had a chance to identify it; one day later, I saw the year’s first damselfly, a Common Bluetail(Ischnura elegans).

I’m attaching a photo of a Hoopoe, which was perhaps better suited for last week’s report.