At last the Compton Wetlands produce.

The first Whitethroats of the year.

And a first for the Valley.

A fleeting glimps of a bird at the wetlands yesterday morning by Ian and myself was eventually confirmed later that evening as a sedge warbler, probably a female as it was not singing. Also present in the area was singing blackcaps,chiffchaffs and willow warbler. A swallow passed over the Barleyfield and a female grey wagtail was back by the bridge over the Smestow after being absent for the previous 3 days.

                                  Also of note yesterday

8 singing       chiffchaff

9 singing       blackcap

1                    treecreeper

2 singing       goldcrest

                                 Today   21 April

I was surprised to find a female whitethroat feeding on the blossom of a tree behind the station cafe, can't recall ever having one in this area before. However 1 singing on the Barleyfield was a welcome sight. I think these are the first whitethroat in the Valley this year.

                                  No sign of the sedge warbler this morning, unless Ian had it earlier.

                               Also of note today

10 singing      chiffchaff

12 singing      blackcap

17 singing      wren

5   singing      dunnock

6   singing      robin  only?

3   singing      chaffinch

5   singing      song thrush

6   singing      blackbird

1   singing      coal tit

1   singing      goldcrest

1 female         sparrowhawk

1                     buzzard

1                     jay

pair mallard the female sat on nest at the wetland site.

The Wolves legend Steve Bull seen and heard walking his dog over the Barleyfield was a Valley tick for me. He was in full summer plumage but left the area to the east before I had chance to put the word out.