Drumming Woodpecker

Heard for the first time this year a woodpecker drilling on the slopes of the North Downs. No doubt a male bird making an early start to establishing a breeding territory. The weather has turned mild again and I expect to hear and see other evidence of birds responding to the unseasonal urge to breed. A pair of mistle thrushes appear to have established a territory nearby and they are one of the earliest birds to breed. The many magpies are still in large family groups, but they will be dispersing soon and it will not be long before I see individuals carrying twigs to their bulky nests.