March 2025

It’s been an embarrassingly long time since I last wrote one of these but the definite signs of spring are incentive enough. The first summer migrant was, unsurprisingly, Chiffchaff with a singing bird in Peter’s garden in Warlaby on 8^th and I added one in our garden on 10^th and then there were half a dozen more records by mid-month.

However, the fluctuating temperatures in March must have made the pioneer birds regret their decision and there was a lull before another influx in the last couple of days. I counted 11 singing birds on my (shortish) walk today including this bird in the Magic Garden…

Sand Martins are the other expected pre-April migrant and they didn’t disappoint although numbers have been low so far with half a dozen by Big Bend and only a single bird seen near the railway bridge.

They are currently doing extensive work along the river, presumably to try and reduce bank erosion. This Oystercatcher didn’t seem too bothered about it…

But, unfortunately, this does look as though it will significantly reduce Sand Martin habitat yet again.

Less expected migrants were two very smart Wheatears along the river on Friday, these are the earliest birds I have ever recorded in the village...

Other sightings in March included Green Sandpiper on the Thrintoft path pool, a late flock of around 100 Fieldfare on Ladyfield and a really nice flock of Linnets along Potter Lane, this is only a small section of the flock…

And there must have been over 300 birds in total.

Away from birds there were some welcome sightings of butterflies with the expected Brimstones being joined by early sightings of Comma, Peacock and Small Tortoiseshell. In fact Peter had all four species in his garden on Wednesday.

I’ll finish with a couple of photos taken this weekend, Treecreeper, a pair of Goosander and a not altogether successful attempt to photograph the partial solar eclipse!