Spring really doesn't feel far away now, with increasing day length and a definite warmth to the sun in sheltered spots. Snowdrops have carpeted the slope below the Pinetum at Highnam Woods for the past couple of weeks and the appearance of a Grey Heron stalking the Nursery Pond at Nagshead heralded the arrival of spawning Frogs. Dor Beetles have already been seen along the paths and the first basking Adder of the year was found on February 27th.
Adder, RSPB Nagshead, 27th February 2014 (Photo: Lewis Thomson)
Great Spotted Woodpeckers have been drumming regularly at both reserves, Siskins have been performing their butterfly like song flights over Nagshead and Ravens are nest building. Our first summer migrants will be arriving in just three weeks time! Blackcaps and Chiffchaffs are usually the first to arrive and both may be heard singing from mid-March onwards. Winter visitors, such as Redwings and Bramblings, can still be seen throughout March and into April as they return north and east. Unfortunately, the Great Grey Shrike seems to have moved on from Nagshead, it was last seen in Russell's Inclosure at the end of January.
Great Grey Shrike, RSPB Nagshead, 20th January 2014 (Photo: Lewis Thomson)
If you see any signs of spring or interesting wildlife on either reserve, please let us know by posting on our sightings forum.
Lewis.