Cullingworth to Hewenden Reservoir

Tuesday 19th April a.m.
A wonderful sunny morning with a starting temperature of 3°C which quickly rose during our walk. As we made our way on to the Great Northern Trail we were greeted by a sound of a Chiffchaff which we located and when it came lower we got a couple of snaps of.This was quickly followed by our first Willow Warbler, a total of nine were seen, we also soon after got a Blackcap.We got our first local Swallows with Jays & GSW seen at either end of the viaduct.Good to see a Buzzard again above us which briefly came down and perched in a tree.On the Reservoir were Goosander,G.C. Grebe,Canadas,Cormorant and a Tufted Duck whilst a Green Woodpecker was heard yaffling several times.As we came towards the farm house three Linnets were seen and a distant Grey Wagtail, there was also another bird on the reservoir banking.This bird was difficult to make out even with the bins,a scope would have been useful, but after watching a while we concluded it was our first Common Sandpiper of the year and a first for us at this location.A great walk with a total of 36 species seen which is not bad for a morning stroll.

Buzzard

Buzzard having a quick rest

Chiffchaff

Willow Warbler

Good to hear Willow Warblers

This male Blackcap sang a good tune too

GC Grebe

Goosander

GSW

Linnets

record snap of Common Sandpiper

Swallow

Wren

Difficult to ID this Common Sandpiper at the overflow of Hewenden Reservoir 19/4/2016