Chiffchaffs

Last year (2019), my first singing Chiffchaff of the year was in late February at Great Melton, Norfolk, not surprising given the exceptionally mild conditions and favourable winds.
I have heard from others that Chiffchaffs were encountered in the first few days of March, however, I recorded my first rather later on the 11th of March.
At the time of writing, Chiffchaffs are now well established on their breeding grounds with good numbers seen and heard at many sites.

Chiffchaff at Great Melton, Norfolk, 22nd March

Chiffchaff Great Melton, Norfolk 22nd March

Chiffchaffs are easily separated from their close relative, the Willow Warbler, in both appearance and behaviour.  Primary projection is always a feature to check, here, you can see the primaries extend little beyond the secondaries whilst on Willow Warbler the primaries extend further beyond the secondaries, indicating the greater journey of the migrant.
The Chiffchaff has a habit of a frequent downward movement of its tail, Willow Warblers may only do this once, or never.
Song can be interestingly, I have encountered a few Willow Warblers which have opened a verse of song with the Chiffchaff "chiff-chiff-chaff-chiff-chaff" before breaking into its own song, a case of mimicry perhaps.

East Wretham Heath 1030-1145

A beautiful day, although cool at 7 degrees Celsius.  This was short visit with most effort given to Langmere.  Walking slowly along a sunny bank with dried ferns I was hoping for my first Adder of the year, and within moments I found one taking the sun in a relatively sheltered spot where a little warmth had encouraged this beautiful Snake to show.
Whilst walking along the path to Langmere, I could hear Mistle Thrush and Stock Dove in song.
A check of Langmere produced a pair of Mallard, a single Oystercatcher feeding along the shore, a couple of Magpies, and a pair of calling Little Owls, one of which was located perched in a small Hawthorn and then within a log pile.
Walking back to the car park, another check of the sunny bank again produced the Adder, I watched it for a short while before leaving it in peace to take in the sun.

Adder at Wretham Heath 6th March

Note the beautiful 'V' marking behind the head. 'V' for Viper

Adder at Wretham Heath 6th March