Spring migrants finally started to trickle into Milton Keynes area today with Sand Martin, Wheatear and Ring Ouzel all making an appearance.

Was able to go out in the afternoon, so decided to try my luck on Quainton Hill.. Real Wheatear Country!

Stopped off at Horwood House en route and had a good look at the Marsh Tit, also heard him calling today. Only other highlight was a Buzzard, although these are now so common that they don't really qualify as highlights anymore.

Got to Quainton hill later than planned, and was in two minds to walk up it.. Looking at the mast in the distance always puts me off.. Decided to go for it, albeit without my telescope, and 20 minutes later was still struggling for breath as I got near the "peak". Absolutely nothing to be seen either as the weather deteriorated. Best I could manage at the top was a Song Thrush!

However, my luck changed on the return journey. Just as I'd given up, and the light was very gloomy, a nice Male Wheatear, flew across my path and landed 100 yards away. Had an enjoyable few minutes watching him. Always good to see my first real migrant of the year, and amazed to think that he had spent the winter south of the Sahara!

Also saw my first Woodcock for a while last night. Was stuck in traffic at the M10/M1 junction when one flew low over my car. My last sighting was also in a traffic jam!