DAVID'S NATURE BLOG

18 APRIL 2026 - SAWBRIDGEWORTH to BISHOP’S STORTFORD

I’d read reports of a decent fall of migrant birds along the Stort Navigation between Sawbridgeworth and Bishop’s Stortford, which included Willow Warbler; Garden Warbler; Lesser Whitethroat; Cuckoo, as well as good numbers of Common Whitethroat; Sedge Warbler; Blackcap; Swallow and House Martin. So, I took a bus to Sawbridgeworth and walked down to the towpath along the Stort Navigation, beginning there at around 8.45 a.m. The weather was clear, sunny, and reasonably warm at around 14 Degrees C with a light easterly.

Virtually the moment I set out, I began to think that it wasn’t such a good idea to choose a weekend to undertake this walk, because very soon, small groups of children (possibly scouts and girl guides - with their respective leaders) followed me in; with the usual runners; bikers and dog walkers too. But they would soon pass, I thought, so I ventured on.

Cetti’s Warblers sang vociferously - seemingly from every other bush - a stark difference from several years back when the species just didn’t occur (only rarely); and I was even lucky to see a couple (possibly paired) in the bushes across the river, although it was almost impossible to train the camera on them before they skulked back into cover. Virtually in the same location I photographed a Sedge Warbler (together with its reflection) that ‘posed’ for me near the surface of the water - and that doesn’t happen too often.

Common Whitethroats were everywhere but were always difficult to see well; as were Blackcaps, although these were not so many. A few Song Thrushes could be heard but I only managed to see just the one. Chiffchaffs too were obvious by their song but again chose not to reveal themselves. Blue Tits; Great Tits; Long-tailed Tits and a couple of pairs of Reed Buntings, along with Robins, were seen, along with a single male Greenfinch. On the river, several Moorhens and Mallards were either collecting nest material or in mating mode; whilst overhead Jackdaws; Carrion Crows; some Rook; Magpies and a lone Jay were seen.

The ‘crowds’ continued to come and go; and what with the boisterous nature of some of the kids, together with passing trains, and the planes flying to and from Stanstead Airport, it was quite difficult at times to hear the birdsong. And really, what are radios doing being played in such idyllic surroundings…………it seems that some people just do not respect their countryside!! It wasn’t at all the quietude I expected to find; and I was becoming more frustrated by the minute. But I had no choice but to continue in the hope that soon, the situation would change for the better. But the birdlife along the river was surprisingly sparse given that spring was well underway. Maybe the cool easterly flow of winds was having a negative effect on the migrant birds - because I saw or heard no Lesser Whitethroats; Willow Warblers; Garden Warblers; Swallows or Martins; and sadly, no Cuckoos either. And that continued all the way through Spellbrook and Thorley Wash. But was good to see were Mute Swans on nests - one just south of Spellbrook Lock and the other next to Spellbrook Weir.

Butterflies too were quite sparse, although there were good numbers of Small Whites and Orange Tips, with the occasional Speckled Wood; Peacock; Red Admiral, and a Large White or two. I even saw my earliest ever Large Red Damselfly (a teneral male) at Thorley Wash, where I also saw my second ever Treecreeper for the site. In fact, the only common species seen the entire morning were swarms of St. Marks flies!

Spring wildflowers were beginning to bloom beautifully - Red Deadnettle; White Deadnettle; Dandelion; Speedwells; Lady’s Smock, and Marsh Marigold were prolific, especially on Thorley Wash Reserve.

I guess I’ll give it another go in a few days’ time, and hopefully then, the bird migration would be in full swing……………if the weather holds!