Early Spring Predictions

Hi,

I had partial success again with my February Forecast, which goes to show how unpredictable nature can be at times. I’m hoping to get 100% on this occasion. For March, the first month of spring, I predict to see the following at Saltholme,

• The return of Sand Martins from their wintering grounds in tropical West Africa. I’m hoping they will appreciate our hard work refurbishing the artificial nesting bank over the winter.
• Mad March Hares. The hares should become more visible on the grassland whilst boxing this month.
• Little Ringed Plovers. Another bird which winters in Africa and returns to breed in Britain during the summer. Look carefully however as the Little Ringed Plover’s slightly larger relative, the Ringed Plover, is occasionally seen at Saltholme as well.

The superb in-flight photograph of a Sand Martin above was taken by Ian back in 2009.

Cheers,

Adam