March has been a bit of a mixture with only a couple of warm, sunny days so far. As I write today, 14th March, winter appears to have returned and it was snowing again when I left the house this morning. We did experience a mini influx of "summer" migrants at one point when 5 Sand Martins turned up on 10th with 10 next day. A Swallow also put in a brief appearance on the latter date but nobody has seen these birds since and we fear they may have succumbed in the sub-zero overnight temperatures. Our first Wheatear of the year appeared a week ago and there were five on the beach two days back with three still here yesterday with a White Wagtail so perhaps they are faring better.
We still have 2-3 Bitterns, 2 Little Egrets and recently a pair of Gadwall appear to be staying. Whether this is due to the cold weather or as we would prefer to think, they are all staying on to breed only time will tell!
The reedbeds are livening up with Cetti's Warblers now singing and our nesting Herons are very active. However, we currently have an issue with helicopter disturbance and so far my liaisons with RNAS Culdrose, the main culprit have fallen on deaf ears - see my Hayle entry for more on this. If anyone witnesses any disturbance from low-flying helicopters over the reedbeds can you please contact me.
Many thanks and good birding.
Site Manager, Cornwall reserves