March 2002 Summary

Whilst the highlight of the month was without doubt an Osprey that spent one evening at the reservoir, it was a good and productive month for birds. The first migrants arrived mid-way through the month, and not surprisingly Chiffchaffs and Sand Martins led the way. Wildfowl still produced a few surprises, with a male Pintail present on several dates, and Shoveler also being seen occasionally, and a single Gadwall present briefly. A late Fieldfare towards the end of the month was a surprise also.

 

Species Highest Count Date Notes
Wigeon 83 3rd  
Gadwall 1 24th Single male
Pintail 1 6th Single male-seen on several dates throughout month
Shoveler 2 13th Individuals also seen on several dates
Teal 18 26th  
Tufted Duck 3 9th  
Black-headed Gull 231 3rd  
Herring Gull c.230 21st Steady passage heading south
Canada Goose 32 6th  
Cormorant 46 21st 3 sinensis ssp. present on 6th March
Coot 9 25th  
Moorhen 5 6th  
Great Crested Grebe 43 26th  
Little Grebe 1 3rd  
Green Woodpecker 1 28th Heard on several dates (poss. up to 3 birds)
Treecreeper 1 24th/28th  
Nuthatch 2 28th  
Buzzard 5 24th  
Osprey 1 29-30th roosted overnight
Kestrel 2 28th 1 male and 1 female
Sand Martin 4 24th First bird on 24th March
Chiffchaff 8   First bird on 16th March
Bullfinch 2 3rd/28th 1 male and 1 female
Snipe 6 6th  
Meadow Pipit 1 9th Heard calling
Collared Dove 1 13th/24th  
Redpoll 4 24th  
Fieldfare 1 26th Heard calling
Linnet 1 28th Heard calling
Cetti's Warbler 1 28th Heard calling
Reed Bunting 1   Singles seen on several dates
Stock Dove 1 30th  
Barnacle Goose 2 30th Probable feral birds
Jay 1 30th  
Grey Wagtail 2 3rd  
Pied Wagtail 3 28th