March 22nd 2025

Saturday March 22nd 2025

an inauspicious date, but arguably the best day for quality birds on the patch in recent times? 

Just after 07-30 a female Black Redstart appeared on the ropes on southern side of the LSE (Large Skylark Enclosure) and dropped down. After ten minutes invisibility it flew to a bush where it posed for a few assembled birders, it then flew south and perched at the top of the tallest oak before continuing on it's way, never to be seen again.

At 09-00 Louis spotted out first Wheatear of the year. The Wheatear Sweepstake went to Tony, who gets to keep the Major (freshly polished) cup, with Louis getting the finders cup. Always a celebrated occasion, the first Wheatear is a true harbinger of spring and migrants to come.

Nick picks-up a Marsh Harrier flying over the pub scrub at about 17-00. 

Finally at 22-14 a Redshank is recorded giving a clear call on noc. mig. 

 

Black Redstart - second ever recent bird, the first for twelve years. One of an influx from the continent.

Wheatear - first of the year and much awaited. 

Marsh Harrier - about the tenth in recent times.

Redshank - the sixth for the patch, not sure whether it has been seen by anyone though?

Is this really the best day for quality? Well, maybe just beaten by a more expected date, 9th September 2024, with Nightjar, Wryneck, Barn Owl and Pied Flycatcher, but it's close.