By the end of the month everyone should be able to say they’ve seen a swallow. Last year the first sightings at Darts Farm were on the 2nd. Exminster marshes is a great place to visit in spring, most of the trees are still yet to bud, so spotting returning birds is much easier. Willow and Sedge warblers will be in full song come the end of the month along with a rarer relative, the Grasshopper Warbler. On the 15th last year 5 were heard “reeling” around Orcombe point in Exmouth.
Birds will start returning in good numbers during April. Along the Exe, Ospreys will stop off to feed on their way back to Scotland to breed. If you live or like walking on Dartmoor listen out for Cuckoos, their call carries well on the moor. Skylarks are another bird to see and hear a classic sound along with the crocking sound of Ravens as they make their way around the Tors.
Gareth Williams