31st March - sunny spell, light-mod southerly, 17C

This morning the Pied Wagtail pair was collecting nest material and disappearing under the old pan tiles, where a pair has usually nested. While having breakfast I watched a female Blackbird busy Blackbird building in the garden Clematis, again a usual place.  Let's hope they are both productive.

About 1730h a female Sparrowhawk flew on to the garden feeder, only stayed a moment - clearly hunting - watch out Blackbirds!    At 1900h 10 Fieldfare flew over heading SE, a couple more weeks and these will unlikely be seen again until the autumn.  Although one year I had two stay until the 7th May.

During late afternoon I sneaked a quick visit to Stanford reservoir, this time to the dam end and Blowers bay.  Things were very much as expected, the Long-tailed Duck and Shelduck pair still in attndence.  A nice Linnet flock on the adjacent farmland, about 40, all very noisy in the tree tops.  Chiffchaffs are now quite numerous and Sand Martin numbers are up to ~50.  A Blackcap was singing in the thicket near the dam, first year record for here.

30th March - amazingly warm, 19C, light southerly, sunny intervals, brief shower early morning

A very warm day, remaining so in to the evening, this will make the vegetation change very quickly and bring even more insects out.

I managed a short visit to the local lake mid-afternoon, Several Comma and Peacock butterflies were out and about.

More fungi can be found fruiting too.

At the lake the Mute Swan pair are already sitting on eggs, 2 pairs of Little Grebe were displaying and 'trilling'.  Two pair of Bullfinch were in the thicket. 2 Chiffchaff were singing higher up in the trees, then i noticed another warbler lower down in the Willows next to the lake.  Fortunately I manged very good views as it feed and then spent time preening - it was a Willow Warbler, another early migrant.

In the evening I visited Stanford reservoir again, 4 Goosander still, Shelduck pair and the Long-tailed Duck were present.  A single Curlew flew in and called and was 'bubbling', it nearly landed, but decided to fly off.
About 20 Fieldfare and 1 Redwing were in the bushes.  Nearby a Willow Tit sang 3-4 times, a real rare sight these days here.  All the other usual species were present still, including Bullfinch, Linnet, Chiffchaff and the commoner duck species.

29th March - cloudy, light SW, 13C

A couple of Redwing flew  off the old railway track early morning.  Early afternoon a small flock of Jackdaws were very alarmed and flying wildly in a tight pack, I just caught sight of a falcon disappear behind the trees, presumably a Peregrine.   Late after 4 adult Mistle Thrushes were feeding in close proximity of each other on a pasture to the east, occasionally they chased each other a little, to see them together was a treat.

This evening I visited Stanford reservoir again.  I saw my first Swallows of the Spring, two were with the Sand Martin.  All the regular duck species, including the Long-tailed Duck, which is now clearly a immature male, not a immature female as originally thought.  

28th March - cloud, mist first then some sunny spells late afternoon, 12C, light SW

This morning a Blackcap was singing from the Blackthorn thicket along the church lane.

This morning there was plenty of song, nest building etc, all the following were seen within 100 m of the Chuch area busily exhibiting breeding activity  - Goldcrest, Bullfinch, Goldfinch, Chaffinch, Yellowhammer, House Sparrow, Starling, Pied Wagtail, Collard Dove, Blackbird, Mistle Thrush, Jackdaw, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Coal, Blue and Great Tit.

5 Tree Sparrows were at the feeding station, also a Nuthatch and single Long-tailed Tit.  A single Redwing flew off the dis-used railway.

27th March - cloudy, misty cool start, slowing brightening by late afternoon, 10C, breeze NE

Now we have lighter evenings after moving the clocks forward, I decided to have a stroll at Stanford reservoir.  The Little Egrets were present as normal now and 11 Grey Herons too.  The usual duck species, including the Long-tailed Duck (it's been here for 3 months now) and 5 Goosander.

There were several Chiffchaffs around, Long-tailed Tits, Reed Bunting and Linnets coming to roost in the thicket.

Given the recent sunshine and warmer days it is noticeable how much Blackthorn has started to come in to flower.

26th March - Sunny am, becoming cloudy pm, 15C but steady NE wind feeling cool

No Redwing or Fieldfare seen around the village area today, but plenty of time to see more yet.  The Goldcrest is singing everyday now in the church Yews, as the Coal Tit.

During the afternoon I made two quick visits, firstly to Shawell lagoons, then to Cotesbach.  At Shawell not too much about, 15 canada Geese, a single Great-crested Grebe, a pair of Little Grebes, a Mute Swan, 41 Tufted Duck, then a pair of Shelduck flew in and mated - several times - having a good splash about afterwards.

In the mid-distance towards the landfill a Red Kite was flying around quite low.

At Cotesbach the Lapwings were displaying well, 15 Pied Wagtails and 2 Starling were foraging, along with a Pheasant and 2 Red-legged Partridge.  A Chiffchaff was singing from the Ash trees, along with Goldfinch and Chaffinch, several Linnets were heard flying over, and a Mallard pair dropped on to a pool.

25th March - sunny all day, 14C, mod NE, felt cooler

At breakfast time about 50 Fieldfare flew over northward.

A quick look at Cotesbach pools field this morning produced 21 Pied Wagtails, 15 Meadow Pipits, a couple of StRling, Skylark, 2 Lapwing pairs which seem to have set up territory here now, 6 Linnet were feeding, Goldfinch singing and other usual common species.

With lambing now quieting down I was able to take a look at Stanford reservoir after lunch for a while.  Still plenty of Wigeon, Gadwall and Tufted Duck.  No Pochard was seen and only 1 Goosander.  However, the Long- tailed Duck was still there, now showing characters of being a male.  Several Goldeneye were still present.

A couple of Redshank were feeding near the inlet with 17 Little Egret nearby, only 1 Grey Heron seen.

Several Linnet were around, including singing birds, Skylark were singing too on the adjacent fields. A couple of Chiffchaff were singing, while a pair of Bullfinch were calling from the thicket.

A Muntjac was out in the open, and on spotting me ran back over the field instead of diving for cover as usual.  Several Small Tortoiseshell butterflying were on the wing.

One the lane nearby what appeared to have been a Polecat had become a road casualty.  These seem to have increased in numbers in recent years, often only spotted as road casualties.

24th March - cool start, then sunny periods, mod NE breeze, 10C

Little time for obs today.

Mistle Thrushes were Singh well during the day.

23rd March - after rain during the night a day of sunny periods, fresh NE, 10C

Forgot to mention that a couple of days ago and yesterday morning a Chiffchaff was singing from the Ash trees to the east.

This morning a Fox ran across the field where the ewes and lambs are and on to the old disused railway.    A few Fieldfare and Redwing flew over the village this morning.

22nd March - rain until early pm, then brighter with showers, fresh SW, 8C

A cold feeling day and wet, but not too bad and with a short gap in lambing I visited Stanford reservoir after lunch.  The water has now been taken down and will remain low for several months now, as you can see here.

The area is looking very good for waders, and with spring migration beginning my hopes are high for some good species.  Today there was 7 Little-ringed Plovers, a Lapwing pair, a Green Sandpiper, a Dunlin and Oystercatcher.

The Long-tailed Duck, 6 Goosander, Goldeneye, ~150 Wigeon and 8 Shoveler were in the deeper water area, all will soon be moving on for breeding.  19 Little Egret and a couple of Grey Heron feed around the inlet area.   In the bordering bushes/trees a Chiffchaff was singing, several Long-tailed Tit were roaming, a Jay made its way back to the wood.  A mixed flock of ~60 Fieldfare, ~20 Starling and 1 Redwing was resting in the tree tops.

Some fruiting mushrooms were poking up through the vegetation.

21st March - sunny at first becoming cloudy during the day, light shower late, Sw blustery at times, 10C

About 0930h a small mixed flock of Fieldfare/Redwing and Starling flew over northward.  The Stock Doves were displaying near the field barn this morning where they nest and a few Meadow Pipits were heard flying around.

A quick look at the Cotesbach pools field this afternoon revealed ~ 50 Pied Wagtails still, but with much chasing activity suggesting they will soon be dispersing further afield to breed.  With them was ~ 25 Meadow Pipits and a pair of Linnet.

A male Goldfinch was singing from the Ash tree and a couple of long-tailed tits were foraging. A couple of Buzzard were around calling as they patrolled over head.  Suddenly a large flock of Jackdaw flew over, heading towards the landfill area nearby.  A cock Pheasant strutted around the field edge showing off.

20th March - showers, longer period of rain mid-day to afternoon, then brighter, fresh SW at times, 10C

The Spring equinox has arrived, so we now have more light than dark, which is great - just need the warm weather back.

Early morning several Redwing flew from the trees along the old railway track off westward.  During breakfast the female Sparrowhawk took up its perch on the garden bird feeder for a while.

Late afternoon was watched the feed station for awhile, there was plenty of activity. At least 10 Yellowhammer, 4 Tree and ~20 House Sparrows, Chaffinch, Blue, Great and Coal Tit, a Goldfinch was singing nearby, as were Collard Dove.  A Green Woodpecker was 'yaffling' close by and more than 5 Buzzards were in territorial display and chases.

I heard the calls of Fieldfare and overhead fairly high a flock, ~150, headed over northward

19th March - mostly cloudy, occasional brighter spell, W/SW wind light -blustery at times, 14C

Another really busy day with the lambing so no new obs today.

I few weeks ago I did read a colour ring on a Gull which I thought was a Lesser black backed Gull, the details have confirmed it to be a 2nd winter Caspian Gull, ringed in Belarus (Minsk, Gatovo) on 16th June 2015, it had been seen in Cambridgeshire in February this year too.

18th March - cloudy, light breeze/wind SW, mild 14C

Early morning - 2 Mistle Thrush were around the Church area again, one sang for a while, also a second singing male while the other one sang a short distance to the south of the Church.

About 80 FIeldfare and 30 Redwing flew over the village southward at 0830h.

17th March - mostly cloudy, light , later fresh SW, 10C

Little time today,  all the usual suspects around, Mistle Thrush, Goldcrest, Goldfinch etc.  Blackbirds may be building in the garden clematis, plenty of territory disputes and Song from the, at least 3 males.

Increasing number of bees seen zipping by now.

16th March - misty grey start, remaining cloudy until late pm, 9C, light SW

During the morning several flocks of Redwing and a Fieldfare flew over the village in different directions, no general directional movement.

I popped to Stanford reservoir after lunch for a look.  16 Little Egret were feeding, with several Grey Heron.  6 Goosander were present, and a good number of Wigeon, maybe 300, along with 50+ Gadwall, ~30 Teal, 6  Shoveler, plus Tufted Duck, Mallard and Goldeneye, the Long-tailed Duck was still present in its favourite area.  Great-crested Grebe numbers are high, 50+.

A Green Sandpiper was feeding on the shore edge and 2 migratory Little-ringed Plovers were busy feeding on the muddy areas.

Near the dam end I spotted a single Sand Martin flying over the water.  Feeding under the willows on the shore line were ~15 Chaffinch, a couple of Bullfinch were in the bushes.  With a flock of Long-tailed Tits 2 Chiffchaff were feeding, but no song today.

A mixed flock of Redwing, Fieldfare and Starlings was moving around the area and neighbouring fields.

15th March - misty start, then sunny all day, 16C, light breeze SW

A glorious sunny day, which the in-lamb ewes seemed to take as a trigger to lamb, this has been throughout the day keeping us busy.

The only wildlife obs of note was my first butterfly of the year, a Small Tortoiseshell, flew passed late morning.

14th March - cloudy morning clearing to sunny spells, light SW breeze/wind, warm 16C

Greenfinches are singing well now, with at least 2 singing from trees around the church area.

During the morning Redwings could be occasionally heard as they flew between the trees along the old dis-used railway, later several Fieldfare were present.

I had a quick look at the Cotesbach field mid-afternoon and I was not disappointed.  I counted 74+ Pied Wagtails feeding on the ground

At another site I found 2 Little-ringed Plovers.  These super little plovers are some of the our first returning summer migrants, in fact this is my earliest Spring date record for their return.

At about 1545h. in the middle of a pasture field, just east of the village, a lone Grey Heron was standing perfectly still, it had probably been visiting the local pond.

13th March - mostly sunny, light NW breeze, warm 15C

Forgot to mention that yesterday morning I  noticed a Fox out in the middle of a pasture, looking for morsels, then during the afternoon it (or another) was lying in the next field - relaxing?

A lovely sunny morning meant that Buzzards were up displaying and challenging its neighbours for territory, there were 4 over the village at one time giving a great show.

Early afternoon a Mistle Thrush pair was spending a lot of time exploring in a church yard yew tree.  At the feed station the the usual birds were still coming to feed, several Yellowhammers and Tree Sparrow were noted.  I'll keep feeding for a while yet until natural food is more abundant.

About 1530h there was ~250 Fieldfare, ~100 Starling and ~20 Redwing in the tops of the Ash trees to the east of the village, they were making a lot of chatter, clearly excited - typical of migratory behavior.  they were prob ably birds heading north and had stopped, of for a rest and a feed.

In he evening for dusk I popped to Stanford reservoir to see if the Barn Owl was around, at 1830h it did fly by, but this evening carried on to another area and so only a short view was possible, unfortunately it did not re-appear whilst enough light remained - next time!

12th March - light rain first thing, then slowly clearing with bright spell late pm, 14C, light SW

Early morning there was again Redwing movement to the SE, with two flocks heading that way ~40.

News of a Bonaparte's Gull at Swithland reservoir came through mid-morning - having sorted out all the ewes and lambs I decided I had time to go and see it, a first for me in the UK.   When I arrived I was informed it had flown off about 15 mins earlier.  So, I decided to go and wait on the dam area and hope it came back.  After only 10 mins a small flock of Gulls flew back and landed on the water, and there it was, bathing and preening giving good views, but too far for my camera.  A small gull, neat looking adult in winter plumage with extensive grey on its upper breast and sides, a visitor from North America.

Late afternoon I had a quick look at Cotesbach pools, here about 40 Fieldfare were feeding, with a few Redwing.  ~60 Pied Wagtail were still present and ~20 Meadow Pipits, a pair of goldfinch were also present.

11th March - cloudy-misty morning, a it brighter pm, light breeze SW, mild 14C

I briefly popped in to look at the Cotesbach pools, I counted 55+ Pied Wagtails feeding, 8 Canada Geese were on the main pool, but little else was around.

After lunch I initially visited the landfill site, although many hundred of Gulls were seen in this area during the morning this afternoon there was only a handful at the landfill,itself.  Overhead, a little distant, two large flocks of Gulls were wheeling in the sky, but they dispersed away.

So, I decided to make a brief visit to Stanford reservoir as some waders have stared to drop in.  I was surprised to see the water level now very low with most of the east end practically empty, but with some deeper water still at the dam end.  17 Little Egrets and several Grey Heron were bust feeding.  In the shallows and the deep water area Goosanders numbered about 40.  Obviously the diving duck were restricted to the deeper water area, still good number of Pochard, Goldeneye and a Tufted Duck.  Among them I spotted a pair of Pintail.  Mallard and Teal were numerous around the shallow pools and shore.   Great-crested Grebe numbers are quite high currently, some display and possible nest site prospecting was going on.  Usually they don't breed here due to lack of nest sites when the reservoir is full, but now there are many floating 'weed' islands which could be to their liking.

A Song Thrush was in full Song on the far shore.  A flock of about Redwings flew past, with at least one Filedfare.

About 1600h. ~40 Redwing flew SE passed the villlage.

10th March - cloudy, some light drizzle, light SW/S, 12C

Yesterday Chris Hubbard was able to visit Stanford reservoir early and had an amazing view of an Otter.  It came so close he was able to take a photo with his phone, thanks to Chris for the photo.

Today, at about 1045h a mixed flock of Redwing and Fieldfare (~20/40) flew south over the village, then at 1440h ~15 Fieldfare flew over north.

A couple of Canada Geese also flew over, heading towards Newnham Paddox lake, swiftly followed by another hybrid Goose.

9th March - sunny most of the day, 13C, light SW

A busy lambing day,

The Coal Tit was singing around the church Yews at 1000h, a single Fieldfare flew over northward.

At about 1430h a Skylark drifted over the village in full song.

8th March - cloudy but mild 13C, light breeze SW

As usual the Great-spotted Woodpecker and Green Woodpecker were drumming and yaffling well this morning.

A couple of Fieldfare flew over northward early morning, and mid- afternoon c10 Redwing were in the field trees to the east of the village.

A lot more different, larger, insects were out and about too in the warmer air.

7th March - sunny spells, light SW, 11C

I managed to get a brief visit to Stanford reservoir this afternoon.  Goosanders numbered about 50, have some left and headed off to their northern breeding grounds?  Wigeon, Pochard Goldeneye, Teal and Tufted Duck were in good numbers.  The Long-tailed Duck was present still, a little closer for some photos.

10 Little Egret were counted, on the low island a few Lapwing lingered along with a mixture Gulls.

As I walked back a Blackbird gave alarm from within a bramble thicket, immediately a Woodcock flew out, and settled again in the thick cover a little further away. About 20 Fieldfare were in the border trees and flew off over the adjacent fields to the north.

6th March - ground frost, sunny periods, light NW, 9C

This morning 12 Goldfinch flew over the village northward, later in the day a male was singing in the  church Horse Chestnut, maybe they will nest again in it.  A Coal Tit and Goldcrest was singing in the area too.

Later in the morning I had a quick look at the Cotesbach pools area hoping for a very early returned Little-ringed Plover.  Of course there was not one, however one was reported from Titchwell in Norfolk, so they are returning.   Already, several Sand Martin have been seen in the country, plus Wheatear and even today a Swallow very north in Aberdeenshire.  So, the Spring migrants are on their way here.  There were 56 Pied Wagtails and c10 Meadow Pipit feeding at the pools.

Occasionally a Redwing was heard flying overhead, no Fieldfare seen today though.  Late afternoon the Mistle Thrush pair were again feeding in the pasture to the east of the village.

At about 1600h I noticed a falcon flying slowly past,  near the church, a quick check confirmed it was a female Peregrine.  This is only my second record within the village area.  It turned around, again very leisurely, and came back past the church and almost directly over me, super views.

5th March - rain period first thing, showers and sunny spells later, mod-fresh SW, 10C

Another very changeable day, feeling cool at times, countryside has lots of standing water pools, but there are lots of signs of Spring, daffodils, young leaves opening, Blackthorn blossom, Ladybirds and so on, if you look for them.

About mid-night last night, when checking the in-lamb ewes, there was a 'large' Toad outside the door, I snapped with my phone.  I moved it on so it was not walked on in the dark.

After lunch I decided to brave the showers and wind and headed off to Stanford reservoir.  The water level is now even lower with much shore and islets beginning to show.  The low water is still attractive to the ducks with really good numbers of all the expected species and a record number of 70 Goosanders. Goldeneye, Wigeon and Pochard are in good numbers and Teal are becoming more numerous, 50+.  Best was the Long-tailed Duck and 'redhead' Smew are both still present, both are scarce visitors here so such long stayers are very unusual for this site.  Only Shoveler seemed low in number, I only saw 2.

8 Little Egrets and a Couple of Grey Heron were fishing.  A Green Sandpiper was preening then feeding along the waters edge.  It is hoped that as Spring migration progresses with the low water we have a good crop of waders dropping in.

The following photos give an idea of how the reservoir is looking now.  Also, with the showers and sunny spells, rainbows were numerous and stunning.

4th March - sunny periods, light-fresh SE, 10C

This morning I popped in to view the field pools at Cotesbach, which after yesterdays rain were overflowing.  Feeding in the vegetation between the pools I counted 65 Pied Wagtails, all busy feeding, plus 1 Meadow  Pipit.  My highest count here this 'winter', I wonder where they go to roost.   A flock of ~ 50 Starling were also feeding, 3 Red-legged partridge flew off, while 3 Lapwing remained, one giving some display flight. Two pairs of Mallard were around, hopefully they will nest in this area.

After lunch I visited Cotesbach landfill to check out the Gulls, at first I was disappointed as there was only a few, ~ 100, present so hopes of finding much were low.  However, an adult Glaucous Gull was spotted sitting on a rubbish bag among other Gulls.  After watching it for a while I realised that it may have a colour ring on, so re-positioning a little closer I managed to get better views through the scope and sure enough it had a orange colour ring, too far to read the digits though.  However, Carl spotted a similar colour ringed Glaucous Gull on 11th February here and managed to read it.  It is very likely the same same as earlier, it was ringed at Pitsea landfill, Essex, UK in 2015.  Just think where this may have traveled in the intervening time, it has been recorded in Northamptonshire and Cheshire too.

The Gull flew off towards the lagoons site do I decided to see if I go find it there where a photo would be possible.  It was not there, little was initially one show.  With searching 30+ Tufted Duck and 31 Coot were present - where all the Coot have come from I don't know.  A single great-crested grebe was present and two immature Mute Swans on the water.  Sitting on the mid-bank was a Grey Heron, 2 lapwing  and 11 Canada Geese.  The Grey heron kept this pose for a long time, I then decided it was facing in to the wind and probably the most comfortable position to be in

In the boundary hedge a few small birds were found including Long-tailed tits and a Goldcrest, plus a couple of Goldfinch.

3rd March - wet, wet, wet, 8C, light breeze S

started to rain at 0800h, and continued...

Female Sparrowhawk sat on garden bird feeder at breakfast time before flying off.

....well, it did stop, just about at 1430h for a while.  Immediately bird song started and the feed station became very busy, although it had been in use all day.  A short watch at the feed station produced 25 House Sparrows, 5 Tree Sparrows, 7 Yellowhammers, plus Chaffinch, Greenfinch, Blue and Great Tits, a couple of Long-tailed Tits and Nuthatch to name a few.

A couple of Mistle Thrush were about, I expect they have a nest nearby.  A few Redwing and Fieldfare flew over.  

Strangely to me, a flock of ~200 Black-headed Gulls, with a few other larger Gulls, were flying slowly in a rather loose flock quite high.  They looked like a flock of Lapwing searching a field to land on, very slowly they headed south, and seemingly 'unsure', then a sudden change in direction back over me and off SW.  Can't say I've seen such a flock flying like this around here.  Late afternoon they are usually purposely in formation headed back to Draycote for their nightly roost.  I had wondered if there was a large unusual predator around, but nothing visible.

2nd March - sunny spells am, brighter pm, light SW, 9C

As the weather was fairly settled and fine I decided to go and stake out a local barn that can host Barn Owls.  I erected a nest box there some years ago and it is regularly used through the year. So, I positioned myself in a gateway at 1815h and waited whilst scanning the fields and barn from a very cautious distance.  At 1825h a Barn Owl flew on to the surrounding barn yard wall and sat for about 5 mins before turning round and flying back under the barn.  Hopefully a pair will use my nest box.  The light faded quickly after this and it was getting chilly, so feeling very chuffed I have a Barn Owl present I left.

1st March - sunny spells, light SW, 8C

This morning a flock of 30 Redwings flew over heading south.  The Mistle Thrush pair were on the usual fields to the east and another was singing near to the village.

 Mid-morninga Buzzard was performing its territory flight display over the village.  It's a bit like a rollercoaster ride lots of ups and downs and calling.

Mid-afternoon a mixed flock of Redwing and Fieldfare flew over, also southward.