Sunday March 25

Rather a pleasant morning, the very light north-westerly kept the temperature on the low side, but it was mostly sunny.

Although we were on the lookout for summer migrants, the horse paddocks at Netherstead reminded us that winter still hasn't loosened its grip. At least 39 Fieldfares and a few Redwings hunted for worms, and were accompanied by a small flock of Starlings.

A Peregrine flew from the direction of Bannams Wood and headed off across the ridge field.

We arrived at the pool to find no Tufted Ducks, and no Little Grebe. The flash field still looks pretty good, but the Gadwalls have gone, to be replaced by a pair of Shelducks. At least 16 Teal and about 10 Snipe were all that was left after many of both species disappeared into the channels between the clumps of sedge at the back of the nearest flash. There are now five Shovelers and three Green Sandpipers, but only about 10 Lapwings. The Coot flock has reduced to 21. It was all a little disappointing.

Walking back along the hedge line we spotted a remarkably striking glossy-green Pheasant in the field beyond. It strode to the field edge where it disappeared. I'll try to keep an eye open for it next time.

We reached Stapenhill Wood where a single Chiffchaff announced its presence in song. I tried to get a decent shot, but it was chasing gnats in between song phrases and I only managed one blurry image.

Chiffchaff

For once, the final part of the circuit managed to generate some interest. A flock of 27 Lesser Redpolls flew past us, and then all hell broke loose as flocks of thrushes and particularly Starlings burst out of the hedge. The Starlings swirled in a mini-murmuration before most of them landed on the top of a pylon. A dot-count of a photograph of the main flock has revealed 254 birds, which was remarkably close the Dave's estimate of 250.

Some of the Starling flock

About a minute later a Sparrowhawk appeared, almost certainly the cause of the panic.

Sparrowhawk

Finally, with the day beginning to warm up I managed my first insect shot of the year. A Red-tailed Bumblebee landed in the meadow and was crawling groggily around the grass stems.

Red-tailed Bumblebee

Its a good job she hasn't seen the weather forecast.