10th March 2012

Weather :- started off dull and overcast but sun did eventually pop back out and quite warm, once the wind had settled.

Again I managed to cover the woods and make it up to Netherton Hill. Some controlled burning of the gorse, seems to have removed the pheasant's. 13 goldfinch flew over, 18 crows present on the hill. Generally alot more activity, lot more territory singing including a dunnock putting on a good show.

Back at the reservoir, 31 black-headed gulls, 7 in breeding plumage and a pair of great-crested grebes back.

While in the woods, lots of singing, chiffchaff heard, all great tits spotted were in pairs, both nuthatches seen - one with nesting material, but not found where the nest is yet. Treecreeper put in a brief appearance and great-spotted woodpecker drumming. Slow start to the raptors, but sparrowhawk finally appeared over Doultan Clay pit and 3 buzzards displaying over the pony field by car park.

Otherwise, 3 buff-tailed bumblebees spotted, 1st wasp of the year and primroses started to flower.

And I wasn't the only one birding today.