Our expert, Katie Nethercoat answers some of this month's most commonly asked questions.
This is the iconic call of the Raven. Highly intelligent birds, in Norse mythology Odin famously had two loyal companions, Hugin and Munin, who remained by his side and represented his eyes and ears.
Due to their habit of eating dead animals, Ravens became associated with lost souls and omens of death but there is far more to these black shadows of our skies. Ravens are the biggest member of the corvid family, around the same size as a Buzzard, and they have made an incredible comeback.
Suffering a staggering loss during the 19th century, they have now re-occupied much of their former range and are now found in both the northern and western areas of the UK but are also expanding into the southeast.
With a heavy bill and wingspan up to 1.5m, they are an impressive bird to see. When in flight, look out for their distinctive diamond-shaped tail and heavy, soaring flight. They are often seen in pairs or family groups and can be very vocal with their iconic ‘cronk, cronk’ call.
Already on their eggs in February, they are one of our earliest breeders. Staying within their home range all year round, they can choose from a variety of habitats from mountainous uplands, craggy coastlines and lowland farmland. After 45 days, the chicks will fledge but will stick with their parents for a further three months. After this period, juvenile birds will flock together but will be transient for some time depending on food availability. Birds pair up within these flocks. Eventually the pairs decide on a territory and breed when they are three to four years old.
Sheds, hosepipes, flowerpots. Not the typical list you may associate with nesting birds but don’t be fooled, some birds often see these as prime real estate for their broods.
As spring approaches and we begin tasks in the garden, it is worth bearing in mind that some of our feathered neighbours have begun scoping out potential nest sites. A shed to a Blackbird, Wren or Robin is ideal. It is sheltered, safe from predators and offers plenty of spots where a nest can be supported. Whether it’s a crack in a window or a door at an angle, small gaps can be enticing for birds. So do carry out a thorough check before moving large bits of machinery or tools, or even a hanging coat which has been in situ for a while. Believe me, it’s surprising how a brood of Robins can fit into one coat pocket!
Seen a Great Tit or Robin inspecting an upturned flowerpot? Not to worry, birds are incredibly smart and whilst it might seem an odd choice to us, it’s perfect for them. When it comes to fledging time, placing a bamboo stick or a small rock underneath the edge can mean a safe exit for the chicks to venture into the garden with their parents.
Need to uncover the BBQ ready for summer or the hose for spring gardening? Be careful to check as you go as the neighbourhood Robin can often scope these out too. As with any active nest, leave it be until the chicks have left and enjoy watching your new neighbours thrive!
Normally solitary and nocturnal, March is the time of year you may see a scuffle here and there by an elusive mammal: the Brown Hare, immortalised as the March Hare in Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland.
Unlike Rabbits, Hares do not use burrows and instead rely on their surroundings and fur colour to remain camouflaged. Powerful hind legs allow them to reach impressive speeds of up to 40mph and their very long ears allow them to be acutely alert to their surroundings and potential predators.
Hares crouch within shallow scrapes, known as forms. Their ability to go from a high speed run to hidden within a form can make it seem like they can disappear. It was their vanishing skills that once associated them with witches. On top of this, their ‘March boxing’ was also referred to as a witch’s dance. And it’s this energetic behaviour which led rise to the phrase ‘as mad as a March Hare'.
The 'boxing' is in fact all connected to breeding. March sees longer days and an increase in temperatures, kicking off the breeding hormones in males which causes them to seek out a mate. For just one day a month, the female will come into breeding condition, intensifing the attention from the males. When the females have had quite enough, they will rise onto their back legs and give the male a thwack to discourage him. Even fur can be whipped into the air during the tussles!
It's an impressive spectacle to witness, especially from such a secretive animal, and a sure sign that spring has arrived!
I absolutely love wildlife and have been part of the incredible RSPB Wildlife Enquiries Team for nearly seven years. I love to go birdwatching and have been very lucky to experience so much of the natural world. In my spare time I love to visit nature reserves and I am also a keen wildlife photographer.