March 2008 Bird Report

A spell of cold and wet weather in March has had a mixed impact on the arrival of the summer residents and the reducing numbers of the wintering birds.

Greylag numbers remain above average this month with a max count of 24 on the 17th. Duck numbers have reduced throughout the month, but as many as 50 Shoveler and double figure counts of Goosander still present at the end of March. My last sighting of a Goldeneye was on the 8th. Mandarin Ducks have become more visible as they move about and stake out potential nest sites.

The pair of Kestrels is still using the top section of the Barn Owl box on the new workings and Barn Owls are regularly seen downstairs. There have been many sightings of Buzzards in the area and a Red Kite over the site on the 13th. A couple of sightings of Peregrine, including an adult female on the 13th eating a pigeon which it had just caught. We have begun monitoring the nest boxes and the only occupation is a pair of Little Owls which have taken over one of the wooden boxes on the new workings.

Good numbers of Snipe about – look for them feeding in the short grass between the path and Colebrook Lake North. A Jack Snipe was seen again on 15th on the new workings. The only record of Golden Plover was 25 flying through on the15th. Two Green Sandpipers have been around all month. The few remaining Lapwings are displaying and chasing the Crows and Gulls as a prelude to nesting.  Redshank arrived on the 7th and there were at least 6 by the end of the month. The first Little Ringed Plover was seen on the 17th with at least 5 by the month end.

The Black-headed Gulls continue to assert their presence on Tern Island with over 100 screaming at each other and every thing else considered a threat.

Kingfishers are regular on the river and a flash of turquoise can be seen as they pass. It helps if you recognise the “squeaky toy” call as advance warning of their approach.

A Black Redstart recorded on the 5th is only the second site record. Singing Chiffchaffs and Blackcaps present in the last week. It seems odd that there have not been any reports of Hirundins or Wheatears so far given the numbers reported in the county. [I have since learned that IHB saw 6 Sand Martins on the 29th.]

Reed Buntings are “singing” as was a male Yellowhammer on the 17th.

As always, please report your own sightings on the record sheets in Colebrook Hide or send them to Ian Brown, the Moor Green Bird Recorder.

Bruce Archer