WILDLIFE TO LOOK OUT FOR IN MARCH

The winter migrant Thrushes and Starlings are now leaving in large numbers. Wintering Lapwings have also left, and a smaller number of breeding birds remain on Plover and Pylon fields.  Although harder to see many Snipe will be in the wetland margins of Rush and wet grass, Meadow Pipits in small flocks, Teal as well as briefly visiting shoveler and Pintail ducks plus breeding pairs of Tufted will now be here.  The Fallow deer will be seen in smaller numbers and dispersed around the reserve.  Roe deer can be seen in the Woodland edge.

 

The grassland will now be a mixture of short grazed areas and tussocky golden rougher ground and the lake islands are now perfect habitat for breeding birds.  Greenshank, Redshank, Common and Green sandpipers will appear with Black tailed Godwits, Dunlin, Curlew and occasional Whimbrel making brief appearances.  There are several Stonechats to be seen hunting in the rough grass with Whinchats putting in brief appearances too.  Apart from the resident owl species, Peregrines and Ravens are a common sight around the wetlands.  If you look carefully at the electricity pylons through binoculars they are often perched there.  The first summer migrants will start to turn up with Chiffchaffs normally the first to appear.

 

Badgers will be more active cleaning out their winter bedding at the top of the Drove, they can often be seen if you remain very quiet at the top of Swishback at dusk.