We always know when Spring is on its way as we have time (just) to get some birding done after work.
Over the last week, the reserve has started to wake up.The first snowdrops around the picnic area were out in flower last weekend, yesterday morning I heard my first singing blackbird of the year and today I caught the first moth of the year in our trap - a pale brindled beauty if you are interested know. This is not the first activity of the year though. With the longer days the tits have been busy singing and a pair of blue tits are already holding territory around a nestbox outside the office window
Out on the reserve there are also 'Spring signs'. The small avocet flock has started to increase with 9 present yesterday and the redshank are starting to get noisy and chase each other around the saltmarsh. Pintail numbers have been fluctuating over the last few weeks and this may be a sign that they are starting to head towards the breeding grounds and are using the reserve as a safe roost and feeding site.
The most exciting increase in activity has come from the bittern (s). If you want to add bittern to your Titchwell list, now is the time to visit. In the last few days there have been lots of sightings of birds in flight over the reedbed. Although we don't know what they are doing, it is probably bird (s) moving between feeding sites. Best places to watch are the Fen Hide and West Bank path overlooking the reedbed. The marsh harriers are also starting to become territorial and I am pleased to tell you that the 'resident female' aka Ginger and returned for at least her 8th breeding season. Watch this space for more news throughout the year.
Make the most of the settled weather this weekend and visit the reserve for some (very) early Spring birdwatching.