A bright March morning saw me in the south west of the county, where Spring seems to have arrived, with temperatures reaching a dizzy 15 degrees. Many waders have returned to their upland breeding grounds, some 4-5 weeks earlier than last year. The most numerous were Lapwings, with a flock of 60 together in a field,but many more than this were attempting to establish breeding territories and attract mates with display flights and constant calling. In 3 hours there was never a spell when I could not hear several calling birds. At least 80-90 pairs were becoming established, with unattached males vying for the attention of females,whose partners would drive them off. Males were “up-ending” at potential nest-scrapes showing off their red undertails. Great to see such a healthy population in a declining species over much of the county. Also in the air, display-flighting, were around 30 Curlews , 12 Snipe and 20 Redshanks,while others were seen on the ground and on walls. Meadow Pipits and Skylarks were also much in evidence,though many of the former have yet to return from wintering grounds, numbers being quite low as yet.
As I enjoyed the spectacle,a familiar,distant croak was heard and a pair of Ravens flew in from the higher tops, to land among the sheep on the lower fields,causing panic among the waders. Other birds noted, included several Mistle Thrushes, Siskins, Pied Wagtails, Goldcrests and Chaffinches. Moving on to higher moorland, Red Grouse appeared common with at least 30 being seen, again engaged in courtship activity. 2 female Black Grouse were the only ones noted today. A great spectacle then came in the form of a huge flock of feeding Starlings, around 5,000 I thought,carpeting the fell as they fed ,then rising into the air,forming ariel patterns and darkening the blue sky, before turning to drop again to the ground.
Comma and Tortoishell butterflies added to the Spring feel.
A real pleasure to be out here on such a good day!
A.S.Jack.
