New additions

As you've probably gathered from the lack of posts lately, I've had little time for birding since my Blyth's Reed Warbler twitch to The Netherlands.  The highlights, once again, were seen or heard from my apartment so that my apartment list now stands at an impressive 75 species since I moved here in the autumn of 2015.  The first new addition was a pair of White Storks I noticed passing high over the park last week and, two days ago, I struggled to hear a singing Willow Warbler above the noise of the numerous and extremely vocal Blackcaps and Chiffchaffs.  The Willow Warbler is still there today, simultaneously singing and foraging for insects amongst the blossoms.  Another good bird for my balcony, although not a new one, was a handsome male Black Redstart, my first of the year, perched briefly on the railing.  During one of my few walks in the forest before the birch trees started trying to make up for lost time and pumping out as much pollen as they can, I saw a Kingfisher entering its nesthole and found this beautiful Snake's Head Fritillary, which I don't think I've seen before.