Thanks to Gary for his report from Tuesday 08 March
The first bird of the day was a bit of a surprise. As we were chatting in the visitor centre by the window, a red-legged partridge flew across the field just beyond the pond; this is the first time I have seen one here for ages. I assume it had been feeding with the pheasants and stock doves in the arable field. A peregrine could be made out zooming across the south brooks from the viewing area just outside the door.
The bird of the day however, was destined to be the bullfinch as they seemed to be everywhere, and males at that, or are they just scene stealers. Blackthorn blossom and hawthorn leaves are just starting to appear and joining in with the feel of spring, several linnets were singing in the sunshine and greenfinch were wheezing as we walked down the zigzag to the accompaniment of a drumming great spotted woodpecker. At West Mead, ten snipe were actively feeding in the reed quite close to the hide and in the distance an adult male peregrine was sitting on a post.
Two visits to Winpenny produced five dunlin, four ruff and a fly over raven as well as the more usual collection of lapwing and ducks. A chiffchaff was reported from behind the hide and a further two were starting to sing at the hanger. Green woodpeckers were chasing each other and a further three male bullfinch were posing.
I didn’t get to Nettleys, but I understand that a water rail was seen on several occasions. It may be the start of spring, but boy was it chilly when we got back to the Centre.