Change of seasons

En route home Thursday passed Tranent cemetery and noted a Grasshopper Warbler still in song there; a key target still to confirm breeding in NT47 so I ventured into the willow herb for an hour or so, emerging only with proof of breeding of Sedge Warbler - occupied nest! Had a few views of Gropper, but what it was up to was not discernible, likely a second brood though, which is more typical in this species than the former.

Then called in at Blindwells and the first returning migrants were apparent with a Whinchat out in the long grass and a Common Sandpiper flying around the pond. Coots have been successful again with 3 large juvs and two very small ones, Little Grebe still in residence. 3 male Reed Buntings were singing against each other and the young Stonechats were still in evidence.

Thus we have passed the barrier of 10 species confirmed breeding in every tetrad in NT47, with results of 4 late visit TTV's still due in. But Gropper will require further effort!