Sunday March 13th - Another Update of very little

A pleasant spell of almost Spring-like weather with overnight frost and clear sunny days although maybe not reaching double figures. There is at last a hint that Spring might encourage some bird movement.

A brief excursion to Blackdown reminded me that Spring is potentially a little way off - A few Redwing were still present. A very brief view of a Dartford Warbler and a single Stonechat were followed by views of at least 10 Crossbill in a couple of small family parties.

 A more recent spell of fine whether showed a Peregrine, Red Kite, Buzzard and Sparrowhawk - up to 7 Brambling still in the garden with an unusual late evening flock of  13 Pied Wagtail going to roost somewhere local, a Grey Wagtail visited the remnants of the pond recently, which is this years big project hopefully being dug out and redone properly shortly after Easter. Singing birds have become a joy in the ever lighter mornings, with Robins, Wrens, Song Thrush and more recently Blackbird and a noisy Nuthatch just outside the back door along with the cocophony of finches still present, with Chaffinch, Greenfinch, Siskin, Goldfinch, Redpoll and the Brambling still holding good numbers - probably 75+ birds in total. A pair of Mistle Thrushes also visit at the moment although no crests have yet appeared and this time last year a Firecrest had been in territory for a few weeks.

male Crossbill at Blackdown