Monday 2 March 2015

A strong, cold, westerly wind blew varying amounts of cloud through the area this morning, at one point giving a light shower.

Another full patch walk was carried out, which provided a very good total of 48 species. Eight of the species seen this morning were new for the March list, TREECREEPER (44) and STOCK DOVE (45) were found in the Wet Woods, a GREY HERON (46) was visiting the main lake, while a pair of PHEASANTS (47) flew across the normally deserted pub Field.

Flyovers from a lone CORMORANT (48) and a trio of YELLOWHAMMERS (49) were noted over Migrant Alley, where among the 80 or so BLACK HEADED GULLS a COMMON GULL (50) was found. A SPARROWHAWK (51) was up hunting around the Greenhouse Grounds, taking the March list into the 50's, but with just Little Owl and maybe Tawny Owl left to find of the resident species, I will be in need of a few early summer migrants, plus some bonus flyover species if I am to reach anywhere near the record species tally for March, which stands at 71, that being achieved back in 2010!

Spring is certainly on the way, the honey bees are at my garden crocus', hopefully the butterflies wont be far behind them now   :-)

Honey Bee


Black Headed Gull at Migrant Alley




6 comments:

Marc Heath said...

Some nice detail on that second Bee shot Warren, Spring is on its way. First Wheatear at Portland today.

Warren Baker said...

Marc,
This coming weekend looks more springlike, could even get a Butterfly :-)

Derek Faulkner said...

I had a Small Tortoiseshell in my garden on Friday.
A Wheatear at Portland is amazing! but strongish SW's due at the weekend give much hope.

Warren Baker said...

Derek,
..................and all the mud will dry out!!

Glasgow Birder said...

Stunning set of shots, Warren.
Spring as been put on hold up here for a few days at least (blustery snow showers yesterday!!)

Warren Baker said...

Dean,
Looks good for the weekend though :-)