Birds and other
wildlife recorded in March 2026
A Pheasant is a fairly unusual sighting at least
it should be safe from hunters in the wood! Red Kites and Buzzards were
observed usually picked up by ear in the first instance. No Sparrowhawks were
noted this month, but they are certainly around; they are known to be quite
secretive near their nest.
Stock doves and Woodpigeons were frequently
reported but no Collared Doves this time. Green woodpeckers were heard but no
Great-spotted Woodpeckers this month, whereas in previous months we have heard
much drumming. Perhaps the cool weather kept the observers away! Skylarks were
flying and calling over the adjoining fields. One somewhat curious - and
possibly mistaken - report was of a Grey Wagtail normally found near
fast-flowing water!
As normal there were several notes of Dunnock,
Robin, melodious Song Thrush and Blackbird, and a Redwing still about. Some
species that used to be heralds of spring Blackcap and Chiffchaff are now
regularly heard in the winter months. Other regularly observed species were
Wren, Great Tit, Blue Tit and the harder-to-find Coal Tit. Long-tailed Tits
will now be leaving their little flocks and pairing up.
Nuthatch and Treecreeper, both essentially birds of
trees and woodland, were fairly regularly encountered. Their calls could not be
more different! Most of the corvids were
recorded by sight and sound: Jackdaw (many), Magpie, jay, Carrion Crow but
nobody reported a Rook this month. Their breeding in the wood seems to be over
for now but they are still likely to be flying over and calling with harsh
noisy croaks.
Finally, the finches: Goldfinch, Greenfinch and the
petite but colourful Siskin.
The mammals seen (or detected in other ways) were
Grey Squirrel, Fox and Rabbit.
There is a lot of Wild Arum growing. The Primroses and
Cowslips are doing well along the ride near Ritas bench, and plenty of Garlic
Mustard growing one of the favourite plants for Orange-tip Butterflies to lay
their eggs. And those Bluebells are beginning to look very encouraging!
There have been plenty of sightings of early
butterflies: Brimstone, Peacock, Comma and Gill will be able to fill in more
details as spring and warm weather arrive.
Please
send in your wildlife sightings!
