Tuesday 29 March 2011

March 29th

After missing visits over the weekend, I met up with Alex the Assistant Warden at the castle this morning and we did a circuit taking in the lake, woods and fields. There were probably 10 each of Wren and Chiffchaff singing this morning, we could hear them from almost every point of the walk, the wood is quite damp so the Wrens do well here. A flock of 8 Linnets were seen in the edge of the mist near the veg. garden and Greenfinch and Goldfinch were both noisy as we walked by the moat, 2 Canada Geese flew through the valley calling as they went before we got to the lake.
At the lake it was again noisy 2 Nuthatches called 2 Greylag Geese were still present and at least 3 Chiffchaff were heard but the short snippet of song that really caught my attention was a BLACKCAP (79), just singing occasionally from the island on the bottom lake. Stephen had heard one on Friday, so this wasn't the first of the year here but still nice to add to the list in March which hasn't always been the case, also on the island was a Bullfinch and Blue Tit. Moving on through the wood we added Marsh Tit, Treecreeper and Great Spotted Woodpecker. Out in the fields, Skylarks were singing, I only heard 1 Yellowhammer today and we stopped to listened to Song Thrush that was close by in stark contrast the 3 Jays that continue to follow each other round the estate! On the way back to the car Goldcrest, Long Tailed Tit and Mistle Thrush all put in an appearance.

5 comments:

Warren Baker said...

Good to get a Blackcap singing in March isn't it lan. I too have to wait till April most years. Willow Warbler next for you ?

Alan Pavey said...

Hi Warren, should be Willow Warbler next really but they have stopped breeding here, from 6 pairs in the late 90's to no summering birds at all from 2 years ago, the ones I get now are just passing through, it seems strange.

Rachel J said...

We paid a brief visit to Sissinghurst this afternoon. Was hoping for a yellowhammer but no luck. Chiffchaffs on every corner just about, quite a few wrens as you say. Dunnocks on dig dog lane and skylarks as we came back onto the estate again. Goldfinch around the back of the cafe area. Having been doing so well with my birdsong and calls in the village the walk today reminded me how much I still have to learn. Lots of birds overhead evaded me :(

ShySongbird said...

It must have been good to get back on your patch Alan. I am lucky enough to have had Blackcaps visit my garden for some years now in the Winter and they are a joy to see but it is always a pleasure to see and hear the Summer visitors when out walking.

Alan Pavey said...

Hi Rachel, Sounds like you did well, the Yellowhammers are best to listen for by the bridge on the public footpath with the rickety metal railings, those calls and songs will keep coming the more you are out, I'm sure, especially with Flatford coming soon :-)

Hi ShySongbird, It was nice to have a wander, that's nice to get Blackcaps in the winter, my Dad had some a couple of winters ago that stayed for the duration, I've not had one winter here yet though and there was no sign of yesterdays bird today.