Singing

I headed with Linda to Regents Park on Tuesday to see if we could see the resident pair of Firecrests. We arrived on the wrong side of the park and had to walk across, but it was such a glorious day we didn't mind! And it gave me a chance to see some good birds as we went. There was a Song Thrush singing as one of the first birds I saw - a nice addition to the Mistle Thrush of Sunday. There was a Chaffinch singing (first time I've heard the song this year) and a female Great Spotted Woodpecker. Didn't spend much time going through all the Black-headed Gulls so shall assume none were anything rarer! Also saw a Jay and a small party of Ring-necked Parakeets in a tree above a cafe.

Finally we arrived at the desired area and it didn't take long to locate the male Firecrest up in a tree. It was flitting non-stop and seldom exited its cover but I saw it well enough to know it was a male and a Firecrest. Another onlooking birder who arrived just a little too late interrogated me as to whether it was a Goldcrest or Firecrest. I politely put him in his place. 'Nuff said. However, I'd love to return and get better views as it's such a superb little bird!

After my arrogant streak, I headed to Rainham in the afternoon as it was such a nice day and put the scope to excellent use. I recorded 37 species, which is a great list for such a quick walk round the reserve. Nothing was hugely outstanding, but Pheasant was new to the list this year, I heard a Cetti's Warbler or two around the North side of the reserve, had a couple of Skylarks, one performing its song and flight - reminding me hugely of summer! - and 4 Curlews were a lovely sight to behold in the sun.

The following evening, I heard my first Blackbird song of the year - such a beautiful sound, and I cannot wait to hear more as evenings draw in throughout the rest of the year.