Despite unpromising weather I was able to make some good spots on my May Day Bank Holiday walk down ANR. I have heard a number of sedge warblers so far this year but this is the first sighting.

I also saw the common sandpiper again, a reed warbler and, as far as I recall, my first sighting of garganey – actually a pair – which is described as a scarce duck, a little smaller than a mallard. They were a good way away so the quality is not good.

The male (in the water) looks quite smart with its tricolour striped head but the female has typically muted markings which makes it less visible when sitting on eggs or young.