A willow warbler was singing today in the woods just south of Llandilo, the first of the season to be heard from the doorstep. This year, a redstart and a few swallows managed to get there first, but only by a day. The first blackcap, which was hesitantly singing on 4th April was the start of what became a full chorus by today with at least 5 territorial males, and lots of aggression and posturing, though no females seen yet. Chiffs have been here since 21st March, but not numerous until 26th.
Up to three crossbills are now passing back and forth overhead regularly after a quiet early season, and siskins are now nest building and very noisy too. Three greenfinches dropped into the top of an ash tree on 5th April, and these were the first seen here since 2013.
