The annual change from winter in to spring can be earlier than the weather lets you know. As a chilling easterly blows in off the continent the first spring migrants start to arrive on our shores. One of the first to turn up is the Northern Wheatear as it heads northwards to its breeding grounds. It is soon joined on the Reserves by the odd Chiffchaff and an early Little Ringed Plover.
Northern Wheatear
However if you visit during March there is still plenty around to remind you that winter has not quite let go of all its northerly visitors. Even though the main flock of Brent Geese has moved eastwards to start it long trip to Russia there are still a small number of birds still taking a little reset from they journeys from the south west. Even a single Barnacle Goose joined them for a few days. Our over wintering Spoonbills and Avocet can still be seen around either Pagham or Medmerry. The last of the Golden Plover shelter from the wind only being disturbed by the displaying resident Lapwings as they declare their new territories. A late winter surprise was the brief appearance of a Black Redstart near the visitor centre on the 13th not unluckily for those who saw it.
Black Redstart (above)
Avocet on Ferry (above)
Golden Plover on Ferry (above) and Spoonbill at Medmerry (Below)
Lapwing displaying
As the days get warmer and the sun spends more time out the first butterflies are seen around the Reserve with Brimstone, Small Tortoiseshell and Red Admiral already regularly seen – spring is on its way.
Brimstone
The Warden, RSPB Crook of Baldoon