March 2003 Ogston Bird News – 98 Species – 31 Days Covered

The first twelve days of the month were changeable with some heavy showers but generally mild with the wind mainly from the southwest. The remainder of the month was dominated by high pressure giving mild settled conditions after early frosts. Beautiful clear blue skies and warm sunshine facilitated the early arrival of several summer migrants with the wind coming from the east.

Little Grebe peaked at seven on 26th and Great Crested Grebe increased towards the end of the month with sixteen on 30th. Grey Herons were on their nests in the heronry and disturbance by a Common Buzzard allowed several counts, the maximum being fifty-seven on 13th. Two Mute Swans were observed on 15th and four Greylag Geese were noted on 14th with a single on 30th.

Wildfowl numbers decreased rapidly during the month, progressively departing for their breeding grounds. Singles of Shelduck were noted on 2nd, 7th and 15th with two on 11th. Wigeon numbers dropped to single figures apart for two larger groups of fifty-three on 19th and forty-five on 30th arriving late afternoon on passage. Teal were still recorded to the end of the month but were also down to single figures. Shoveler put in several appearances with singles from 9th to 13th and two pairs from 19th to 24th. Despite large numbers over winter the last Pochard departed on 19th and Tufted Duck declined to thirteen on 31st. Goosander sightings were also down but singles were still about until 29th. A single female Ruddy Duck was seen on 10th, 17th, 24th & 26th.

Common Buzzard sightings were regular throughout the month with a pair displaying on 30th. Merlin continued to be observed with singles on 10th, 15th & 26th and Sparrowhawk and Kestrel were seen as usual. Water Rail was still being observed from the Rail Hide until 6th and was later seen on the West Bank and also the North Bank on 21st.

Single Oystercatcher were noted on 25th, 26th and 29th and seven Dunlin were seen flying thru’ past the hide north on 6th. The first Little Ringed Plover of the year was found on Plover Island on 20th and increased to four by 31st. Three pairs of Lapwing were also on the Island & scrape areas and were seen displaying on many occasions. Snipe were also recorded on both sides of the hide. Curlew were heard flying thru’ on seven days and Woodcock was observed flying from Carr Wood at dusk on 15th. A single Redshank was found from the 15th to 20th and two were present from 24th to 27th, landing on the spit.

Gull Roosters were rewarded with some good records this month with a 1st Winter Mediterranean Gull on 17th, 2nd Winter Iceland Gull on 6th and 12th and an adult on 16th. A 1st Winter Glaucous was present on 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 6th with a 2nd winter on 15th & 16th. A 2nd Winter Yellow-Legged Gull completed this late show on 16th.

Little and Tawny Owl were recorded as usual and a single Kingfisher was found most days on the Lower Amber as was Green Woodpecker. However the elusive Lesser Spotted Woodpecker was found only twice, once in Knowles Wood, Ogston Woodlands on 6th and heard drumming and calling along the Lower Amber in Alder trees on 26th.

The first Sand Martins arrived on 20th with Swallows following on 25th. Dipper was another excellent record on the Lower Amber on 12th and 30th. A male Stonechat appeared on the west bank on 22nd and stayed until 25th. The first Chiffchaff was noted on 10th and by 29th there were forty-three singing individuals around the Ogston recording area. Blackcap was another early arrival, seen and then heard on 25th.

A rarity for Ogston, a MARSH TIT was discovered on 15th at the feeding station by the fisherman’s Carpark. It was seen on three further occasions up to 20th. Raven sightings have dramatically increased this month with five records on 9th, 17th, 20th, 22nd & 29th fuelling speculation that they may be breeding locally. A single Tree Sparrow put in an appearance on 8th and a Brambling was noted near the feeders on 10th and 31st. A flock of Siskin and Lesser Redpoll were found in Woodcock Plantation throughout the month and four Crossbills was a real find near Highoredish during our Breeding Bird Survey on 22nd.

Richard Wesley