Breeding bird surveys underway for 2018

March is a month of transition in the bird world and this makes it a fascinating time to undertake bird surveys. This morning I was up well before dawn to get to a site to start a breeding bird survey. At first light the birds are active and vocal and this is the best time of day to see what is about - the dawn chorus is a perfect description!
In March, however, we have yet to receive the influx of summer migrants, although a few pioneer records of early arrivals are being logged across the country. Birds such as the willow warbler, swallow and cuckoo are still a few weeks away and for the most part, the breeding activity is focuses on our resident species. This morning, there was a flurry of male dunnocks, robins, great tits and blue tits trying to impress potential mates, generally trying to establish territories and in some cases start nest building.
Our winter migrants are still here and I was pleased to come across a good sized flock of field fare: another few weeks and they will be gone.
Another highlight was a few flocks of goldfinches busily feasting on teasel heads.... Always a joy to behold.