Spring arrives very quickly in March, by the middle of the month Chiffchaffs we will heard singing in the woodlands followed closely by Blackcaps, both are migrants from Africa, arriving to spend the summer here. On bright sunny days the birdwatcher looking skywards will see much visible migration, perhaps Lapwings moving north east towards the Scandinavian countries, crows & Jackdaws & woodpigeons coming in from the north & the southward migration of Linnets can all be witnessed along the coast. Common Buzzards & Red Kites will be passing west high above the ground making the daytime skies seem very busy. On the ground Coltsfoot, Primroses & Lesser Celandine, all yellow flowers will be flowering in profusion. Mammals are busy too with Boxing Hares on the fields & mice feeding on gardener’s sweet pea seeds sown in the ground.
Look out too for four species of butterfly seen before the months end, Small white, Red Admiral, Small Tortoiseshell & the Comma are all early species, favouring gardens hedgerows & allotments as they search for flowers to nectar on.
The Sewage Filter beds of most parishes although unpleasant will produce White & Pied Wagtails, a couple of Grey wagtails & perhaps an early yellow wagtail. The uncommon Firecrest may be seen close by too as they all feed on the abundant insect life here.
Spring for the Naturalist arrives all too quickly & one does not really know which way to turn next.
Look out too for four species of butterfly seen before the months end, Small white, Red Admiral, Small Tortoiseshell & the Comma are all early species, favouring gardens hedgerows & allotments as they search for flowers to nectar on.
The Sewage Filter beds of most parishes although unpleasant will produce White & Pied Wagtails, a couple of Grey wagtails & perhaps an early yellow wagtail. The uncommon Firecrest may be seen close by too as they all feed on the abundant insect life here.
Spring for the Naturalist arrives all too quickly & one does not really know which way to turn next.