Grimsbury Reservoir

Today (15/04), I had wonderful views of a male Peregrine low over the centre of Banbury while on my way to work. It caused carnage with the local feral Pigeons!

Had a wander around Grimsbury Reservoir in Banbury today (15/04) both during my lunchbreak and after work. Was my first time there and while it isn't the most picturesque of places, it was full of the signs of spring.

There were plenty of butterflies on the wing with Orange Tips, Brimstones, Small Whites, Small Tortoiseshells and Peacocks all present.

Migrants were also very much in evidence with my first 2 Sedge Warblers of 2014 in song, several Yellow Wagtail, at least 4 White Wagtail, several Swallows & Sand Martins and decent numbers of Willow Warbler, Chifchaffs and Blackcaps.

Lastly, as I was about to leave a Common Sandpiper appeared alongside 3 White Wagtail at the southern end feeding around a jetty.

The next day (16/04) again the sun was out and there were again several species of butterfly on the wing as well as a/the Common Sandpiper, a singing Whitethroat, a couple of singing Sedge Warbler, several Swallows and singles of White & Yellow Wagtails.