A drake Mandarin duck was lurking on the edge of the lake under the willows opposite Stackpole Court this morning. A pair of Tufted ducks and a single female Goosander were near the reeds and a pair of Mute Swans were at their regular nest site. Further north a Cetti's Warbler was singing and showing occasionally at the top of the reedbed. A couple of Blackcaps were singing, one in Castle Dock Woods and another in Lodge Park. Several Chiffchaffs were singing throughout.
At Stackpole Head a Gannet came close to the cliff with about 30 Guillemots on the cliff ledges and another 100+ just offshore along with three Puffins. At least one pair of Chough were cruising around. On the way back a Swallow flew over Barafundle dunes and a mother otter and two kits were playing beside the eight arch bridge. All in all, a pleasant taste of spring before the rain.