On 1 April, while walking along the riverside looking across to trees in front of the Bath postal sorting office, not far from St John’s church, I heard a Willow Warbler in full song, and then saw three Willow Warblers feeding in the trees.

This is the earliest Spring date I have ever recorded this species. (A fellow Bath Nats member I then bumped into said he had seen one the day before)!

I heard another Willow Warbler at Prior Park NT gardens today (Sunday 2 April). Southerly winds have brought in more Blackcaps and Chiffchaffs. Also on 2 April, I saw my first male Orange Tip butterfly of 2017, again the earliest I have ever recorded. Other butterfly species seen were Peacock, Small Tortoiseshell, Comma and male Brimstone.

Lucy Delve