March ended in cold windy weather but early April saw clearer, brighter, warm days. The following sightings were recorded on the Nature Reserve within the past month
Birds :- Wood Pidgeon, Carrion Crow, Magpie, Robin, Dunnock, Wren, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Coal Tit, Long Tailed Tit, Nuthatch, Blackbird, Song Thrush, Redwing, Green Woodpecker, Buzzard, Sparrowhawk, Goldcrest, Jay, Chaffinch, Greenfinch, Stonechat, Dartford Warbler, Reed Bunting, Heron, Mallard Duck, Kingfisher, Meadow Pipit, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Treecreeper, Blackcap, Willow Warbler, Chiff Chaff
Plants in flower :- Hazel, Gorse, Primrose, Lesser Celandine, Sallow, Willow, Bog Myrtle, Ivy-leaved Speedwell, Spring Snowflake
Insects :- Buff tailed bumble, Drone Fly, Pond Skater, Crab Spider, Wolf Spider, Hunting Spider, Brimstone Butterfly, Speckled Wood Butterfly
Fungi :- Many Zoned Polypore, Candle Snuff Fungus, Witches Butter
Animals :- Grey Squirrel, Roe Deer, Fox, Mole, Common Frog, Pipistrelle Bat
It has been noted that little frog spawn has been recorded this Spring and although monitors sighted frogs in February, no more sights have been made. Many of the bird boxes are now occupied. The first recording of Bat movement after winter hibernation was on Good Friday.
Sound recordings are now on file. Items of interest found include the skeleton of a Hedgehog, Roe Deer antler, Long Tailed Tit nest
