I always find it very exciting at this time of year when we have the first sightings of the birds that spend the summer here. We had a female marsh harrier for a while although it wasn't seen since the 21 March. But today we had a different female, one that looked like one of the birds that was here last year. Come on chaps!!
There was an osprey seen flying overhead in a northernly direction on 22 March. 3 swallows were first seen on 24 March and then there was a flock of 40-50 seen yesterday over public hide. At least 25 sand martins were seen today too. At least one chiffchaff has been singing away (one of the easiest bird songs to remember as it sings it's name-wish they all did that!).
There has been a mediterranean gull still around, seen today at Lilian's hide. A spotted redshank was at the coastal pools again today too. Avocet numbers have still been fluctuating. Six yesterday and 1 today.
Other wildlife to note were 20 red deer in front of Griesdale hide and a brimstone butterfly and a peacock butterfly were all seen yesterday. Don't forget to put your clocks forward tonight too.
Here's a lovely picture of a peacock butterfly that our warden David Mower took.