Wednesday 29th March 2023 was not one of the best days for a survey , delayed until the relentless drizzle ceased.
There was no further rain during the survey but it remained damp although becoming warmer and clearer.
The river was not as high and Cow Parsley was still very low growing. At least the new varied hedging plants were doing well. Much Blackthorn was now in blossom and the first Wood Anemone buds were ready to open - when the sun appeared . Patches of Cuckooflower were visible now beside the babbling river and Wild Garlic was in leaf, as usual one of the very first plants to show green leaves after the winter along the river.
Blackthorn Blossom - the first buds over the river
The most obvious signs of spring were birds singing: Large numbers of House Sparrows (>100)were present all along the river, most in hedges still used as shelter on a grey day, no birds basking in the sun, but singing loudly nevertheless. Woodpigeons were numerous too, with 43 scattered, hunched up in sheltered tree branches, a few cooing quietly. There were 33 Robins, most singing well regardless of the dim light - having the best eyesight for such weather.
The very best of the song was given by the Song Thrushes (13) perched at intervals along the route, each remaining as usual in one chosen spot for maximum effect. Another bird - the Great t was singing loudly giving calls both typical and puzzling, mostly perched in Willows and on shrubs in drainage basins where it sought to confuse with it's repertoire. There were 28 counted, more than Blue ts today (21). Only one Long-tailed t was seen flying across the bridge. I know there are more in the area...
Wrens (22) have adapted well to the rapid changes in rainfall and therefore in river depths and flow whilst Great Spotted Woodpeckers (3) had to adapt their drumming to allow for waterlogged tree trunks and soggy branches. How different the drumming sounds! The best tree is a dried out hollow one.. A single Nuthatch was giving an angry call, it's nest perhaps already in use. The pair will be guarding many weeks of hard work preparing it during the worst of the weather.
Blackbirds (17) were now singing too or giving alarm calls when disturbed - they are well adjusted to damp and misty climates where foraging is easy. Carrion Crows (10) were marching about and calling, ignoring Magpies (8) today whilst smaller birds such as Dunnock were sheltering well out of sight. There were 13 Chiffchaffs - all of them singing quite loudly, mostly from thickets, and a sudden perfect song came from a Blackcap male in a Willow - the first this season, although two or three have remained here over winter, they were not singing. 28 Goldfinches brightened the landscape both with their plumage, actions and song, in an area they frequent in order to forage on the last of last years seeds from Thistle and Dock.
Two Herring Gulls flew over the School roof whilst Starlings remained in their roost for a while before heading for the fields. Three Mallard were seen, one male over the river and a pair on the 'new' pond. It is very bare at present so they may decide to return to a more sheltered location to nest. Nearby a Sparrowhawk flew across from the road to take up a new secret post in an old Oak. Above, two Greylag Geese were seen heading north.
It was good to see the riverside shaking off the old winter character, although slower than usual.
