Spring has started to arrive at Broadwater Warren with the return of summer migrants and emergence of woodland plants such as wood sorrel and primroses. Willow warblers have started to be heard singing along the woodland edge as well as several blackcaps. Chiffchaffs are being heard across the woodland as well as a lesser spotted woodpecker that was seen and heard calling near the veteran oak last week. A sparrowhawk has been seen hunting on the woodland edge and subsequently a pile of wood pigeon feathers were found near decoy pond.
Tree pipits have returned from Africa to Broadwater warren, with the first being seen last Friday. Today up to 6 were heard singing and carrying out their parachuting display flight across the heathland.
At least 6 woodlarks continue to sing on the main and western heath as well as 2 skylarks and the pair of stonechats has been seen on the Shooting butts. The grey wagtail has been seen feeding along the stream and around Decoy Pond. Several yellowhammers continue to been seen on the scrub edges of the heathland and woodland as well as a flock of a dozen linnets.
Butterflies that have been seen in the past week on the wing include comma, brimstones, red Admirals and peacocks.
Please let us know of any interesting sightings you see on the reserve.