Over the past few weeks, spring migrants have been increasing slowly across the patch. Most notable species increase in
Chiffchaff with 50+ recorded on site on the 22nd March. On 23rd March shows complete clear out of Chiffchaff with only 2 present on site!! Numbers of late have been averaging around 20-30+ birds across the patch. Many in the Willows, Reedbeds and lakeside scrub. Chiffchaff counts below 5th Feb-30th March
| 05/02/2017 |
15 |
| 09/02/2017 |
2 |
| 14/02/2017 |
2 |
| 15/02/2017 |
1 |
| 12/03/2017 |
40 |
| 18/03/2017 |
18 |
| 22/03/2017 |
50 |
| 23/03/2017 |
2 |
| 27/03/2017 |
20 |
| 28/03/2017 |
30 |
| 30/03/2017 |
25 |
The first
Willow Warbler of the year was recorded on 21st March. Only small numbers lately. At present numbers have fluctuated with 20+ recorded on 1st April.
| 27/03/2017 |
5 |
| 28/03/2017 |
5 |
| 30/03/2017 |
15 |
Blackcap have increased significantly on patch with several wintering presents at the end of February. First singing males in song during mid-March. Numbers of passage birds present throughout March with notable count of 12 on the 30th. Numbers on varying depending on weather conditions. Hoping for some big increases in numbers in the coming days.
| 27/03/2017 |
8 |
| 28/03/2017 |
6 |
| 30/03/2017 |
12 |
Other notable sightings on patch include 1st
Wheatear on 13th March and singles recorded recently. 4
Marsh Tit, 3
Green Woodpecker, 2
Stonechat, 4
Yellowhammer, 2
Dipper, 1
Red Kite, 20+
Sand Martin and 2
Kingfisher.
Had my 1st
Redstart of the year on patch briefly passing through the willow glade on 1st April. An early, unexpected record and hopefully a good omen of some fantastic migration and birds to arrive in the coming weeks!! However patch birding yesterday only produced 6
Chiffchaff and single
Blackcap!! A total clearout of all previous birds seen in recent days. So watch this space and hopefully will get a big influx of warblers in soon!!
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| Willow Warbler |
 |
| Chiffchaff |
 |
| Marsh Tit |
Excellent photos!
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