March Update

As predicted, the first true summer migrants have arrived – a really exciting time for any nature lover.

Sand Martins were later than usual this year, with small numbers passing through from 19th. It wasn’t until 26th that more were seen, when at least twenty spent the day feeding over the Ponds in wet and windy conditions, along with the first two Swallows of the year.

Chiffchaffs have also arrived, with up to six singing males dotted around the reserve. On 30th amongst these was the first Willow Warbler of the year, quietly sub singing in between frantically catching flies after its long flight here (about 5000 miles!).

Only one bird was ringed during March at the Ponds, but this was a Cetti’s Warbler (see photo).

Occasionally during the winter a Cetti’s Warbler could be heard calling around the top two ponds, but as March warmed up it broke into song confirming it was a male bird. Although they have not been recorded breeding at the Ponds before, this could well happen if a female was to locate him as the habitat is more than suitable. Over the past two years this species has recolonised the Axe Estuary after a healthy

population was lost during cold weather in 2010.