I know I won’t get any sympathy for this, but I feel I am missing out on the true spring experience this year. I’ve just spent two weeks in Spain and got back to the UK on Tuesday evening. Before I left I had seen or heard Chiffchaff, Blackcap, Willow Warbler and Sand Martin at my local patch of Stanwick Lakes. On my return I find the Sedge Warblers, Reed Warblers, Swallows and Common Terns have joined them (and there may be others – I haven’t had that much time to look and listen).
I was looking at House Martins and Swifts, Garganeys and Cuckoos in Spain and so my spring is all muddled up.
And I’m off back to Spain again tomorrow; to the Coto Donana for another two weeks.
I said I wouldn’t get any sympathy.
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I know what you mean Mark I was away over Easter in Wales and missed the arrival of a few things at home in Yorkshire and yes I go back for a fortnight on Tuesday. I will by and large see and hear the same species but it is NOT the same. You were also right in that going to the Coto for a fortnight will get you no sympathy from here!
Oh dear. I could help out if you like. I could go to Spain and watch birds and you could stay here with the children and write my book.
Hilary – good suggestion, but I wouldn’t want to put you to so much bother.
Can you hear any violins playing. Mark?
Douglas – don’t think so. Very faint if there are any.