As well as the obvious change in plants, spring and summer migrant birds are arriving. During the last birding walk, I saw my first chiff-chaff of the year. Not a particularly unusual species, but it was a sign of the coming season. Another change in the avian world was a green sandpiper directly in front of the hide. The green sandpiper is a relatively shy dull greenish wader.
During the brief sunshine, a little grebe emerged from the undergrowth and drifted across the water, already exhibiting it’s summer plumage . A second visit to Lea Farm bird hide provided sightings including a partially obscured red shank and a radiant pheasant.
The second visit had less than ideal weather conditions so many of the photos are quite dark.
As march is drawing to a close, the gulls are becoming territorial and many smaller species are seeking out nest sites. Some migrants are also turning up as sand martins are already being sighted.
