Coltsfoot and sweet violets
wildflowers of Spring
Birds
Spring arrived but few summer migrants appeared, whilst winter migrant numbers were steadily declining.Large flocks of Fieldfares were seen feeding in the fields at the beginning of the month. Many of these birds are starting to develop their summer breeding plumage so when they arrive on their breeding grounds further north they are ready for displaying.
Smaller numbers of redwing were also passing through. A flock of golden plovers present throughout the winter was still present.
The first summer migrant to turn up was, as expected, the Chiffchaff. Males were heard singing on the 19th and 27th. The only other summer migrants were four Sand Martins passing through on the 30th.
Two other birds, new for the year, were Little Owl, recorded on several dates seen sunning themselves on a tree stump, and the Common Gull. Tawny Owls have been heard calling several times during the day. Other records of interest included three stonechat on the 4th, two females and a male, a snipe on the 4th and a woodcock on the 19th. A pair of Siskins feeding on alder cones on the 15th and three lapwings were displaying on the 19th.
Butterflies, Moths and Ladybirds
The warmer weather helped bring out more insects. Three more species of butterflies emerged from hibernation; brimstone, comma and peacock. Some species of moths were present in good numbers but species diversity was low. Two of the commoner species at this time of year include the Hebrew Character and Common Quaker.
Hebrew Character Moth
Common Quaker Moth
Two of the more unusual species recorded included the Oak Beauty and brown plume moth.
Oak Beauty Moth
Brown Plume Moth
Pine Ladybird
Harlequin ladybird
7 Spot ladybird
Flowers
Several plant species flower during the early spring. One of the first is Coltsfoot a species which sends its flowering spike up before any leaves appear.
Coltsfoot
Sweet Violet
Mammals
As usual numerous sightings of rabbits, grey squirrels and muntjac also several hares but the most unusual record was a dead water shrew on the 28th. A distinctive species, the largest of our shrews having a dark grey to black back and sides and a white underside. The hind feet and tail are specially adapted for swimming having long bristly hairs.The video below was taken in Carol's back garden. The grey squirrel was helping himself to the bird seed that had fallen from the feeder.
