Early Spring

Winter has given way to spring and though there is still time for a weather set back it has been an interesting transition, I love seeing things wake as the air and ground warms. I've not shared much of it on my blog but I thought I'd post some of the images anyway.

March 12th Low Newton

First Chiff Chaff of the year singing and Whooper Swans noted moving north, steadily all morning, in small flocks of 12-35

Whooper Swans

March 19th

A great day inland today, sun is really quite strong now when the cloud clears. More singing Chiff Chaff wading birds in numbers moving to breeding areas and reptiles awakening from winter hibernation.

Carrion Crow and Oystercatcher

 

Adders

Slow Worm

30th March 

Back on the coast as March drew to a close, all still a bit slow as it often is in springtime Northumberland. Ring Necked Duck was a distraction worth attending to so Chevington was the first stop, no sign of the duck but we got caught up with and thoroughly enjoyed some lingering winter visitors, Shorelark and Twite and Chevington burn mouth.

Shorelark

Twite

A couple of fine Lesser Black Backed Gulls at Branton on March 31st rounded off March nicely.

2nd April

Sand Martins back in numbers inland today, difficult to count but 30 or so swarming around suitable sand banks and a fabulous Dipper seen with nesting material.

Dipper

 The week leading up to the 9th March was very nice weather, lots of sunshine, approximately 30 Lesser Black Backed Gulls were following a plough near Eglingham and my first Swallow was a nice surprise on the 7th.

The day of writing, 9th March. Coast again, hoping for Garganey. No luck but butterflies seen, Green Veined White, Speckled Wood and Peacock. A Bee Fly added to the insect interest, very warm this morning in sheltered areas.

Green Veined White

White Wagtail, Wheatear, Chiff Chaff and Willow Warbler all noted. 

Great Crested Grebes full of spring fettle

Gadwall pair

Tufted Ducks

Not a mention of Acconites, Snowdrops or celendines but the ground is bursting into life.

Back to March a while, garden mothing has been nice and steady which is good because I have difficulty identifying half of what I get to see. Here are a few that I have recorded.

Hebrew Character

Early Grey

March Moth

Common Quakers

Pale Pinion

A bit of a cobbled together account but spring waits for no man...bird nor beast