As it was the first day of spring on 20th March, the tern rafts were put out on Moore Lake and Ferry Lagoon ready for the return of the common terns. Waders were much in evidence that day, with a green sandpiper & two ruff passing through and oystercatchers, redshanks and lapwing all showing signs of holding territories.
The reedbeds are begining to come alive; a sighting of a pair of bearded tits (I'm old school & haven't got into the habit of calling them reedlings yet!) got us very excited. A female marsh harrier has been seen on several occasions, checking out Holywell Lake & Elney Lake, so fingers crossed.
The migrants are slowly begining to arrive. We've now had sightings of sedge warbler, blackcap, swallow and little ringed plover to add to those already reported in earlier blogs. At least seven species of butterfly have been reported, thanks to the unseasonally warm weather - brimstone, peacock, red admiral, comma, small tortoiseshell, orange tip & small white.
Don't forget, tomorrow is the Raptor Watch. Join us at the Discovery Zone between 10 & 12 as we scan the skies in search of migrating and displaying birds of prey.