23rd Mar 2025: early Spring arrivals

Some good conditions this week brought us a flurry of early migrants and added several species to the year list.

Wednesday morning was great for raptor watching, which included two Peregrines over town. Today I found out that John Beak had seen our first Little Ringed Plover of the year earlier in the morning. In the afternoon Ian found a Rock Pipit too, but it didn't hang around long.

I had our first 2 Sand Martins and single House Martin of the year on Friday afternoon, lingering briefly before carrying on north.

Sunday morning we had a singing Blackcap (possibly 2), a flyover Curlew, and singles of both Sand and House Martin through. There was also the Cetti's Warbler and several Chiffchaffs. In the afternoon, JFT had our first 4 Swallows of the year and another Little Ringed Plover.

16th Mar 2025

On Monday morning Sandra had an Oystercatcher flying around, possibly the same bird seen earlier at Blascote Quarry. 

This morning JFT added Skylark to the year list and also had 2 Peregrine over, the Cetti's Warbler and 4 Chiffchaffs.

9th Mar 2025

New in this week were the first Chiffchaffs of the year and a Cetti's Warbler singing along the river in the same territory as last year. I also saw my first Brimstone of the the year on Monday. Otherwise, a Lesser Redpoll again and a pair of Ravens were seen.

2nd Mar 2025

There wasn't much to report over the last couple of weeks, but on the 28th Feb and today two Otters have been seen. They have also recently been seen along the river in Spiceball Park too. I assume it is a adult female and a cub.

Also today, JFT added Jack Snipe (amongst 35 Snipe) and Lesser Redpoll to the year list.