What to look for in MARCH
The
first summer migrants are usually noted by mid-month, typically Wheatear,
Sand Martin and Sandwich Terns, but in some years Garganey, Common Tern,
Cuckoo, Yellow Wagtail, Willow Warbler and Sedge Warbler may arrive
by the month’s end. Chiffchaffs
will be singing on sunny days.
Despite
the short days some birds will have started their breeding season – Ringed
Plovers will be displaying on the beach, Great Crested Grebes will
be going through their elaborate courtship on the pits and the Cormorants
will be nesting at Castle Water.
However, if the winter is cold many birds will be forced south, so
flocks of many ducks, especially Wigeon, Shoveler, Pochard,
Teal, and perhaps Pintail may be present, a rare one to look out
for being the Smew.
Hundreds
of wading birds such as Oystercatchers and Dunlin feed along the
shore and congregate to roost on the sea bank at high tide. This is also the best month to see huge
numbers of gulls gathering to roost along the beach at dusk. Migration may be evident offshore. Watch out for large flocks of Brent
Geese heading east. Sea ducks
such as Common Scoter and Red-breasted Merganser may also be on
the move.
Further
signs of spring this month will include the first flowering of; Coltsfoot,
Scurvy Grass, Early Forget-me-not, Blackthorn, Rue-leaved Saxifrage and, at
Camber Castle, Wallflower. The flowers of willows and Alder
will be out. If the weather is mild more Bumble Bees and Butterflies like Brimstone,
Small Tortoiseshell and Peacock will be flying and more moths will
be on the wing on milder nights such as Herald and Angle Shades.
