It was nice to bump into and chat with Phil, on his home patch, this morning. Numbers of birds (last year in brackets).
Willow Warbler 88(97), Chiffchaff 52(47), Blackcap 24 (27), Garden Warbler 7(6), Whitethroat 7(21), Redpoll 7(12), Wood Warbler 0(2). There appeared to be 3 male Cuckoos holding territory. The clearings are growing up fast, perhaps too much for the Whitethroats? There used to be Wood Warblers near the entrance, then after the conifers were felled, there were a couple at the opposite(east) end, also in conifers, but unfortunately I didn't hear any earlier. I always expect there to be more Garden Warblers than there seem to be. Also, came upon 7 family parties of Long tailed Tits in the thickets.