Report from 24 to 29 April

The Wood Sandpiper migration is past its peak, and their numbers are declining by the day, from a hundred or so to a few dozen. Small flocks of Ruff, Spotted Redshank, and Greenshank are still moving through, as did a pair of Shelduck and a flock of ten stunning Glossy Ibis. The Teal are all gone – for the first time since last fall, we did not record a single individual – as are the Water Rail, at least judging from the silent reedbed. New arrivals for the season included Squacco Heron, Golden Oriole, Great Reed Warbler, Reed Warbler, Turtle Dove, and Hobby. The last-named species may not be pleased to find out that La Cassinazza is now inhabited by its arch-enemy, the Goshawk. There are once again three active nests of White Stork in the local area, as in past years ; one pair settled in later than usual. The Common Tern colony is starting to fill up, with about twenty individuals present, a few of which are already engaged in courtship. A canoe ride through the heronry revealed a Purple Heron already incubating, while the Night Herons are putting the finishing touches on their nests.

The Little Grebe is an improbable-looking ball of fluff, with two tiny, insignificant wings. It’s hard to believe it can fly – in fact, I can’t remember ever seeing one do so. And yet, somehow they migrate – do they swim, perhaps ?