Monday 30 March 2009

30th March 2009

I had an enjoyable afternoon visit at the lakes, with 22+ Sand Martins, 2 House Martins and 8 Swallows seen flying over Engine Pool and Terry's Pool, and 4+ Chiffchaffs observed in various places. I strongly suspect I've missed earlier occurrences of Sand Martins at the lakes this month, despite putting more effort in, but the House Martins could well be site firsts for 2009. Their numbers have been rather erratic this month but 21 Tufted Ducks were present today (possibly my best count at the lakes to-date). 2 Greylag Geese were in one of the fields north of Terry's Pool again. Also, I believe I saw 2 Linnets around the Hungry Horse.
The breeding season has apparently started now, with a female Blackbird seen collecting nesting material in my garden this morning. Doesn't look like Mute Swans will be breeding at Earlswood this year - might be something to do with what happened last year. Anyone know what happened?
M.P. Griffiths

2 comments:

B90 said...

Thanks Matthew, its always good to get a March Swallow.

I picked one up this morning 09.00 circling the Manor Farm, Red Lion and Hungry Horse fields.

Not much else of note other than a glorious Kingfisher that flew over Engine Pool, parallel with the road towards the Engine House.

Matt Griffiths said...

Many thanks for this.

Matt