Most of us had journeys which were less than ideal as traffic and an accident near the site caused some delay. So our first ten minutes were taken up with how was your journey chat and the usual how are you greetings.

These chats were taking place on the deck outside the visitor centre against a backdrop of waterfowl on the pond. A family of Coot including small red faced chicks was scuttling around the weeds while Moorhen and Mallard were also busy.

Inevitably, Chiffchaff were calling as were Wren.

As we walked down the track into the reserve, Blackcap were singing and a male showed himself for a short while before busily moving deeper into the trees. The reedbeds held Reed Warbler and their continuous twittering song filled the air. It seemed likely that Sedge Warbler were also in there adding their voices to the reedbed chorus and one was seen flying across the tops of the reeds.

One of the joys of spring is that almost everywhere small birds are singing at the same time and Chiffchaffs and Wrens competing in the general ensemble performance.

A solitary Lapwing was spotted flying over and Buzzards soared above. A Cuckoo was calling in the Poplar woods and was heard on and off throughout our visit. Hobby and Swifts had been reported at the reserve by the staff at the visitor centre but were not showing this morning.

Moving on to the first mere where there is a shelter and a good viewpoint, we saw more Coot with young and Mallard ducklings of various ages from very small to those a little older.

There was also a pair of Pochard, a Canada goose and a small group of Greylag geese. A Little Grebe aka Dabchick was diving continuously near the edge of the pond.

We walked alongside the mere and spotted a Whitethroat perched on a bush taking short excursions to catch the nearby flying insects. It was joined in the same bush by a singing Wren.

Further along the trail we came to the path leading to the Mere Hide where we have previously seen Kingfisher, Bearded Tits, Bittern and Water Rail. Unfortunately, on this visit we had to satisfy ourselves with tales of those earlier sightings including Hobby and ten years ago an American Little Bittern.

At the top of the reserve we watched for Cranes but amongst the high vegetation in the area where they were thought to be it is very hard to see birds on the ground. Unfortunately none were in flight and likewise the Bittern were not flying.

On our way back to the visitor centre and cars where we had left our lunch, we walked along the bank of the Little Ouse. The Cuckoo was singing again and we saw Mute swan, Gadwall and even a small herd of Roe deer.

In summary, we had an enjoyable trip with ducklings and baby waterfowl the highlight and Tracey particularly enjoyed the show put on by the Whitethroat which was close enough for all to see.