Sunday 26th March - Spring marches on

Saturday gave me my first opportunity to head to the coast for a long while. It was due to be bright and sunny, although the strong NE wind was probably the least attractive possible for potential spring migrants, however a good 2.5 hours at Selsey from 6.30am was still welcome.

The list was a little sparse

Great Northern Diver 4
Eider 1
Red Breasted Merganser 2
Kittiwake 3
Gannet 30+
Fulmar 6
Brent Goose 3
Shag 2
Bar-tailed Godwit 3
Meadow Pipi4 Stonechat
Jackdaw 14

The Jackdaw are listed as they appeared to be inbound migrants. A coupe of hours at home in the sunshine but out of the wind was productive for raptors with 5/6 Buzzard , 4 sightings of Goshawk, 2 singing Chiffchaff and 2 Brambling.

I managed a midday walk at Blackdown on Sunday (again in the sunshine but with a sharp NEwind still blowing) . 2 pairs of Stonechat,1 Dartford Warbler and 1 Woodlark were seen . 5 singing Chiifchaffs were heard several Linnet, a Raven and 2 or 3 Buzzards. Back at home another Goshawk was noted later in the day heading East

The fantastic sound of spring bird song has been ringing out all day now, and with the clocks going forward it is definitely Spring in full swing. Nuthatch look like they are  breeding in Oak outside the kitchen door with Stock Doves lower down in the same tree. A singing Firecrest is still in the gully and one was seen collecting nesting material around the same Oak.  A pair of Pied Wagtail are frequently seen, mostly with the sheep.

male Brambling

Brambling

Nuthatch nest outside Kitchen

They are probably still nest building rather than incubating or chick feeding.