I've spent much of the week out of "birding" action. Friends were visiting and needed to take priority. Only on Friday did I finally get out, choosing Preston Bagot at the eastern edge of the circle. It was good to get back into the field, but the birding was steady. The highlight was a flock of at least 45 Siskins.
Now at least it's March. Meteorological spring has sprung. This morning it got off to a good start when the two local Hawfinches flew over as I headed to get a paper. In glorious sunshine I could see the white tips of their tails as well as the more obvious white flashes on their underwings. It was just a shame it was only a naked eye view.
Morton Bagot failed to deliver anything new for the year, but we searched for signs of spring anyway.
As far as the birds were concerned it was just a case of ticking off the usual species. Tawny Owl, 26 Lapwings, 42 Teal, 28 Meadow Pipits, a fly-over Yellowhammer, a Little Egret, and a Green Sandpiper stood out. The latter was the first I have actually seen (as opposed to heard) this year. Unfortunately it was never very close.
The water in the flash pools was largely frozen, but thawed in parts. The only insect brave enough to be on the wing this morning was a Buff-tailed Bumblebee, the traditional first of the year's queen bees.
As for wildflowers, we saw none. Although of course Hazel catkins were out, and are technically flowers.
So no Chiffchaffs, Wheatears, or Sand Martins for me yet, but they've all been reported elsewhere in the country this year so it shouldn't be long.
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