19th March. I took a short walk onto the patch today and was soon listening to and watching Chiffchaffs in the area that they usually initially appear, south of the village. In 2010 it was 21st of March before I found them and in 2009 it was 20th March. I’m not too scientific about how I do this, so let me just say I know it’s about now that they appear. On the previous two years I had checked earlier days and found nothing. There was lots of other bird song today and Wrens in particular, were numerous.
I took a walk to the small lake. There are still at least three Goosanders on the lake. The Great Crested Grebe on the small lake appears to still be alone. I took a look to see if three Great Crested Grebes were still on the larger lake, reported Sedgedunum Warbler, and sadly found none at all there. I was in a hurry to get back to listen to the football so I probably missed them further down the lake. As it happens I should not have bothered rushing back, such was the result!
The Sparrowhawk was being mobbed by Jackdaws. Possibly one of the birds which has visited my garden recently. On the last occasion, making a successful kill.
