March Migrants

The last day in March provided a challenge to find some early migrants, so I set off early to do a fair-sized walk of the park. At first light there was a family party of four Bullfinch were at Dawson's Corner. On the Reedbed Boardwalk I got my first Blackcap of the year - a skulking male in the willows. A Chiffchaff was singing from the Willow Carr, and a male Kestrel was sat in the trees at the back of the Dipping Ponds at sunrise.

On the lake, the wildfowl seem to be pairing up. At least six Greylag Goose were in pairs, and another two male Canada Goose were fighting again. A Green Woodpecker was calling as it circled the lake, and only three Snipe were apparent this morning. Two summer plumaged Little Grebe were present at the northern end of the lake, seen at same time, but not in a pair. I gave the Leen Pastures a miss today, I wanted to look in on Bestwood Quarry before heading off to work.

Just behind Broad Valley Stables, two Tree Sparrow were in one of the garden's trees, and a pair of Dunnock were engaged in courtship display. At the entrance to the Quarry, there were another two courting Dunnock, and another two Bullfinch. A Yellowhammer was heard singing nearby, and a single male Linnet was on top of the hillside, with two more Chiffchaff singing around the corner. Two Great Spotted Woodpecker were drumming nearby before chasing each other from the direction of Bramley Wood to the hillside.

The walk home produced a Long-tailed Tit carrying nest material, a pair of Jay, a pair of Song Thrush, and a Stock Dove and female Great Spotted Woodpecker were seen behind Warren Hill.