Patchwork Challenge Update; A Guest Blog from Paul Parsons

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. 

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.

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. 

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.