Diary --- March 2005

Weather

Although the rainfall picked up a little on the extremely low January and February figures it was still only about 88% of the average for the month of March. The wettest day was the 28th with 18mm of rain. It will need to be a very wet summer to make up the shortfall.

Temperatures were generally at or below average for the first half of the month but above average during the second half. Frost was recorded on 10 days with the minimum temperature -7.5°C on the 4th. Unfortunately maximums cannot be quoted as my measurements are very unrepresentative.

Birds

Birds of prey were well represented with Sparrowhawk, Buzzard, Red Kite and Kestrel all putting in an appearance.



The slightly more unusual records included Red-legged Partridge, Kingfisher, Great spotted Woodpecker, Pied Wagtail and Goldcrest and it was good to see regular visits by a small group of Long-tailed Tits. A single Snipe was seen on two occasions and, significantly, during the colder first half of the month.



Towards the end of the month many of our resident birds turned their minds to marking out territories and nest building - increased singing by Robins, Blackbirds, Blue and Great Tits and Dunnocks was very noticeable. April should mark the arrival of many of the summer migrants and we look forward to seeing them.

Butterflies

An early start to the butterfly season with my first sightings on 18th compared to a month later in 2004. Four species were seen on this date including the expected Brimstone and Small Tortoiseshell but also seen were Comma (4 individuals) and a single Peacock. Similar species without the Peacock were seen 10 days later on 28th.



Etc.

Des reports increased activity by the Water Voles and the Trout have now finished spawning. Abrief view of a fox at the back of the Trout Pond was the only other mammal sighting.

The Snowdrops finished their season early in the month to be replaced by a "sunny" display of Daffodils. On the "wilder" side the first Coltsfoots appeared (or should that be Coltsfeet?) and Celandine and a good display of Violet both white and blue were on display.