Pickering Park Wetland Bird Survey and the first hirundines

A mild, still and sunny morning, I carry out my belated April Wetland Bird Survey at Pickering Park. On the way there I get my first Swallow (number 87) at Hull, flying over Spring Bank, too fast for a photo. Blackcaps have now been settled for a few weeks and seem to be around in good numbers, unlike Song Thrushes, which I haven't heard from sites where they were regular before. At Pickering Park, some more hirundines, House Martins (number 88), the first of the year for me. Single Common Gull and Black-headed Gull remind me that the winter migrants have mostly left now. The Mute Swan pair are in full courtship and I manage to record the full sequence including mating and the final celebration. I wonder if they are completing their clutch now. 

Singing Collared Dove.

Mute Swan pair courtship.

The last Black-headed gull?

There are two basking terrapins on the dead tree, one is very small, the smallest I've seen. Although a small one might be a sign of breeding, it is possible that it has been released recently.

Four families of Greylags are gathering on one side of the lake.

A fresh Speckled Wood.

A crow flying up rattling towards the Buzzard below, it never reached it as the Buzzard drifted away.

Buzzard over Spring Bank.