March Update: Signs of Spring

 

The appearance of the 'ground nesting bird' warning signs, at various locations across the heath, heralds the arrival of Spring - although the weather over the past month did not quite live up to expectations. March is often a month of great hope and expectation – combining the remnants of the winter birds with the arrival of some spring migrants. Sadly, the northerly winds and relentless rainfall led to some disappointing species counts early in the month, but a late surge brought a new March record of 53 species on the 25^th. The patch year list is now up to 63 species, although there were no additions to the life-list this month. All checklists can be found on the ebird site at:  https://ebird.org/hotspot/L12697095/activity?yr=all&m=

The last of the winter Redwings hung around until the 19^th after which they vanished – two weeks earlier than in 2022; Fieldfares, which were seen well into April for the past 2 years, have also departed, with no sightings at all this during March, following the trend of generally lower numbers this Winter.

We were hopeful for some duck movement this month and made some early starts at Setley pond in the hope that a Teal or Wigeon might drop in overnight; sadly, our optimism has not been not rewarded so far this year, with a pair of Egyptian Geese, overhead on 4^th March, being the only wildfowl added to our year list. There were regular sightings of Cormorant on the pond, seemingly unfazed by the remote control sailing boats, and often using the boaters’ buoys to rest and dry off their wings. Several pairs of Canada Geese and Mallard seem to be making a home in the area.

Making full use of the facilities: Cormorant on Setley Pond

My previous concerns about the impact of the cold weather – or possibly avian influenza – on the Stonechat population proved to be unfounded with a steady rise in the number of sightings throughout the month. A particularly large count of 41 on 19^th March suggested that they have returned with a vengeance from wherever they went during the cold spell. Several Dartford Warblers have also been singing in their usual territories which is encouraging news. Linnets, Skylark and Meadow Pipit have been displaying once again in good numbers throughout the heathland areas.

Male Stonechat on gorse (photo by Mark Halligan)

There have been regular sightings of a pair of Kestrel, Buzzards and Sparrowhawks at various locations across the patch, but so far no Red Kite or Goshawk. A male Merlin, our first patch record for over 12 months, alighted on the burned gorse close to Sway village on 14th March and was certainly the month’s raptor highlight. Ravens have continued to be active, with several noisy displaying pairs and a group of 7 birds on one occasion suggesting that there may be some breeding in the area this year. The number of Carrion Crows also seems to have increased over the course of the winter, which may not be good news for the ground nesting waders on the heathland. Our first Curlew sightings for the year were of a pair on 19^th March, followed by regular sightings of a single male. Up to 3 Lapwing have been displaying vigorously over Widden Bottom in the second half of the month; last year’s pair selected a nesting site too close to a path frequented by dog walkers and their attempts to breed were unsuccessful. Hopefully they will choose more wisely this time.

The year’s first singing Chiffchaffs were heard on 19^th March, 9 days later than in 2022; Woodlark were also slightly later than last year, but have been singing at 3 different locations across the patch which is a good sign that they will once again breed in the area. We are looking forward to April and the sounds of Blackcaps, Willow and Garden Warblers along with returning Hirundines and Cuckoos. The passage migrant season always brings with it the possibility of a rarity so we will keep vigilant – and hopeful – as ever!