Drakelow Nature Reserve Saturday 26th May 2018 0815-1630. A dull grey start eventually gave way to a warm and sunny afternoon with temperatures up to 19C but tempered by a NE3/4 wind. Breeding birds included two pairs of Mute Swans with broods of four (was five) and five with another pair still on eggs. A pair of Grey Lags appeared with five goslings and saw off another two pairs that appeared in the same lagoon. Two broods of Canada's were of four and eight goslings. A Great Crested Grebe had at least one chick on its back being fed by the other parent and there was a new brood of three Coots. On the Strip Black-headed Gulls numbered 22 with the occasional visit by two Lesser Black-backed Gulls that were quickly seen off as were young Cormorants attempting to get a foothold on the island. It appears that a Lapwing may be nesting amongst the gulls and a female Mallard still has seven ducklings both species probably benefiting from the defences put up by the gulls. Of note elsewhere were two drake Mandarins in the North Pool. Two Buzzards were being mobbed by Carrion Crows and Jackdaws late in the afternoon.