Willow Warbler

Today was the first chance I have had to go out to Dartmoor this spring. The cuckoos have arrived and my aim was to find some good territory and sit it in a bag hide to try and get a photo. Last year I had been successful and been really taken with the study I did. I was excited to carry on this year and learn more about these fascinating birds. When I arrived on the moor in mid afternoon it was silent and even the usually common Meadow Pipits were keeping themselves to themselves. In the end I did see and here a few but I feel they are not as numerous this year. Whinchat were not evident either. In the end Cuckoos were singing , at least three males and one very close to me in a tree behind but out of sight from the hide. I watched one fly across the valley in to tall conifers and another was calling behind some trees really close but again, didn't show for any kind of photo. it is a waiting game I am afraid, but I have the patience to get some results  again this year.  Willow Warblers were singing everywhere and the one above was the most showy of the lot. Birds seen and heard included:  Wheatear, Cuckoo, Whitethroat, Great Tit, Stonechat, Reed Bunting and Ravens. In the end, not a bad bird day. Insects were a little bit sparse, I guess because it has been a bit chilly of late.  I did like this tiny little Hoverfly that was licking the petals of a gorse Bush. Hoverflies are hard to ID but from my past experience this one seemed to be the same as Meliscaeva auricolis which I have photographed previously.