March 20th was cloudy with a brisk Southerly wind, birds seemed on
the move with a Cormorant and 50+ herring gulls passing over the reserve. A pair of Lesser black back gulls
were on the Northern wetland and 4 singing Chiffchaff were noted.
On 24th the wind had turned South Easterly, Sparrowhawk and
a pair of Jay were seen and new birds for the year were Linnet and a singing Blackcap.
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| Jay, M.J. Clark |
At dawn on the 25th there were 7
Sand martin feeding over the Northern wetland and birds were very active in the morning sun. The Canada geese were honking and
fighting, Lapwings, Meadow pipits and Skylarks were displaying and the Robins and Thrushes were singing. Another 2
Sand martin flew past the new hide and a Stock dove also flew through.
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| Northern Wetlands in the sun, including Highland cow Hamish! Paul Parsons |
An afternoon visit on the 29th was quiet until I was
walking back from the new hide and the sun came out from the cloud. A cracking
Osprey flew right over my head and over the Lapwing field but the tall hedge
prevented me getting a photo. A male Swallow was over the field when I got further along, taking
my bird list to 65.
The 30th was sunny and warm, 2 more Blackcaps were
back and singing and a Goshawk circled high above the reserve. Butterflies were
much in evidence with Brimstone, Peacock, Small tortoiseshell and Comma all on
the wing.
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| Blackcap, Amy Lewis |
Hopefully the good weather will continue into April. The first Willow warblers
should be arriving any day now (NB. the first willow warblers were heard singing on 31st March by reserve wardens, RR), to be followed by Sedge warbler, Reed warbler and Whitethroats.
