Easter saturday around oxfordshire

With a few days off work and the offer of a day out in oxfordshire I took the opportunity. The first stop was Farmoor Reservoir where the first Hirundinidaes of the year where seen with a flock of 11 Swallow and a single House Martin was seen before further round more swallows where seen. Out on the water a few pairs of Great-crested Grebes where out but smaller number than usual and one pair where doing a little bit of bonding. A little further round the Red-necked Grebe which had been around was spotted fishing but quite distance i suspect the same bird from last year. Then walked along the causeway where the highlight was a nice pair of Grey Wagtails where in with the local Pied wagtails before a nice Red-crested Pochard was seen by the boats. 

Red-necked Grebe (image from last year)

Then headed to Stanlake pit where a sight of 4 Ringed-necked ducks where showing quite well feeding with the tufted ducks along with a good supporting cast of 4 Goosanders and Ringed Plover and Redshank on the shore. 

Distance shot of the female Ringed-necked Duck

Last stop in Oxfordshire was a visit to Stratfield Brake where a Male Garganey was showing though had to wait for it show as it mainly low down in the grass but worth the wait and a added bonus with a few Swallows and a Sand Martin flying over.

Male Garganey

Then ended the day at the Tring Reservoirs where the highlights where a Peregrine over Wiltstone briefly along with a good number of Swallows in a tree which was a nice sight and the two Oystercatcher on the main bank and at Startops the two Redshank where still around