31st
At least two of the three Goosanders still present at the sluice, and the large flock of Fieldfare made an appearance. Of particular interest was a group of 5 Snipe and a single female Marsh Harrier. The two resident Buzzards were present, but no raptor passage despite the apparently ideal conditions. However, my favourite sighting was a weasel popping in and out of holes in the embankment only a few metres away - easily the best views I have had!
29th
Sunny with a lighter wind - the sluice was much more productive. Highlights included 6 Teal, 3 Goosander, Barn Owl, 30 Fieldfare, a confiding Chiffchaff and a pair of Lapwing defending territory. However, most significant was a passage of Buzzards involving approximately 10 individuals, though they were not following the sluice but rather flew over Downham so I may well have missed some.
28th
The sluice has good days and bad days, and this was definitely one of the latter! The only bird of note was a Kestrel: the strong, cold wind undoubtedly kept most birds hiding in shelter. I flushed many more Meadow Pipits from their regular breeding site than in previous visits this year - they are now beginning to think about nesting. The birding will hopefully improve with the weather next week!
26th
A Corn Bunting singing at Welney today, although I couldn't locate it. A ringed plover sp. (probably Little Ringed Plover) was on Lady Fen, and good numbers of Black-tailed Godwit with a few Avocet on the washes.
A Buzzard flew over Whin Common.
24th
A Kestrel over Denver today. Greenfinch continue to display around the village.
23rd
Not a lot of interest at the sluice, although the flock of Redwing and Filedfare was still present, mixed in with Starlings. The main highlight was a Seal up near the sluice gate!
22nd
Another morning trip to the sluice was unsuccessful in terms of raptors, probably because the colder, windier weather meant that there were no thermals available. However, 2 pairs of Shelduck and a Barn Owl were a nice surprise. In addition, a flock of approximately 200 Fieldfare were present, along with several Redwing still. A male and 2 female Goosanders flew over.
21st
Arriving late at the sluice I missed out on the best part of a movement of raptors (see Simeon's Diary for details), but a variety of migrating passerines, 5 Chiffchaffs and a pair of Oystercatchers made for a decent spring patchwatch. A Great Black-backed Gull was with the regular gull passage. A flock of Redwing and Fieldfare, and two remaining pairs of Goosanders showed that winter isn't over yet!
20th
The journey back home to Norfolk in gorgeous spring weather was filled with Buzzards, including a group of 4 apparently involved in some sort of territorial dispute. A red kite flew over.
18th
The chiffchaff was singing again from the same area.
17th
The first Chiffchaff of my year was singing in woods near Ledbury, and a Siskin flew over calling.
16th
A journey from Oxford to a farm near Ledbury, Herefordshire, was exciting evidence of spring with a number of displaying Lapwings. Many insects have recently come out of hibernation, including a few moths - it may be time to start trapping soon!
14th
Another Red Kite flew over St Peter's around lunchtime.
12th
The Magpies have been very territorial recently. Of particular interest was the observation that one would perch on a nearby high point, aggressively seeing off any intruders, whilst the other was spending a lot of time in the holly tree outside my window...
Also today was the first bee (not sure what species) of the year for me, in one of the quads at St Peter's.
10th
A pair of Red Kites circling over St Peter's mid-morning marked the first record of this charismatic species since January.
8th
A calling Siskin at Sandford-on-Thames brightened up a muddy afternoon run
7th
A trip to Loughborough produced little of note birdwise, although I did see two Muntjack and fantastic views of a Fox.
A migrant Song Thrush called over St Peter's early morning.
6th
A Grey Heron over St Peter's late afternoon.
2nd
Another Skylark over St Peter's.
1st
A Sparrowhawk circled over St Peter's a few times, putting up the pigeons.
