With the loss of those magnificent southerlies which graced us for over a week recently, throwing up some very early migrants, it's all change as March roars out like a lion and normality returns with Atlantic lows.
At Brandon Marsh with the recent rain it's been quite difficult to get the water levels down on the pools of late and unfortunately a good proportion of the Islands on East Marsh Pool are still underwater. Having said that the Oystercatcher, Ringed Plover, Redshank and Little Ringed Plover seem to have established themselves well and I've witnessed all species mating! Tis the season!! Another bird which I watched mating today was Goldcrest, the first time I've been lucky enough to catch this and so hopefully we'll have a nesting pair.
Swallows, Sand Martins, Willow Warblers and Chiffchaffs have now arrived in good numbers but I've still failed to register a single House Martin or singing Blackcap on site. Yesterday (Wednesday) I missed 7 Black-Tailed Godwits which made a brief visit to East Marsh Pool and although a few birders are registering 2 Yellow Legged Gull I remain unconvinced. I've seen these 2 birds every day for the past week and to me they appear far too dark, and in my opinion are definite Lesser Blacked Backed Gulls, but I'm no Gull expert!
The recent Sedge Warbler I picked up singing at Brandon on Saturday March 27th did in fact turn out to be the earliest ever record since Brandon records began, so I'm very happy with that accolade. I should also mention too that the Annual Report 2009 for Brandon Marsh, which is produced by the voluntary conservation team, will also be available from this weekend.
On the home front the marina is playing host to group of circa 50 Pied Wagtails which have taken up residence and declared a roost not far from my berth, a real pleasure to watch each evening.
To finish this post I have to mention the 2 idiots who were standing right next to the Kingfisher post staring up at me when I opened the hide flaps to the Steetley Hide at Brandon on Sunday afternoon! No need to go into too much detail on my reaction as to why they shouldn't be there and their response, which confirmed I was dealing with a couple of complete numpties, what don't some people understand about KEEPING TO THE MARKED PATHS!!
