Flocking Linnets

Although most birds appear now to be paired up and beginning nesting operations, the linnets in this area are still flocking to roost. The other evening there were up to sixty birds gathering to roost in a local hedgerow. This was clearly a coming together of more than one flock, as previously the number had been around twenty birds.

Pairs and individuals can be seen feeding in the garden during the day, and pairs have been observed around their usual nesting haunts, but these gatherings are unexpected. The recent cold spell (some snow and hail today), could well have delayed the breeding activities of some birds, and it may be that the flocking activity is an attempt to find sufficient warmth for the birds during nights which have reached freezing point.

Native Floral Display

Whether or not it has been due to the mild winter is difficult to ascertain, but in this part of Kent, there has been a plethora of wild flowers. In particular, the primrose has been exceptionally successful and it is now being followed by its close cousin the cowslip. Masses of bluebells have now emerged providing a magnificent display. Also in the woods, anemones are provided a white carpet of flowers, whilst amongst them can be found violets, stitchwort and wood sorrel.

Whitethroat

Following the sighting yesterday of swallows for the first time this spring, today, some whitethroats could be heard singing at their usual haunts. As I have not been for a number of days to the areas of thicket where these birds breed, it is possible that they have been here before today, though they have certainly arrived after the blackcaps chiffchaffs which have been established on their territories for a week or more.

First Swallow

Saw first one then three swallows this morning. They were flying close to their traditional nesting site so, hopefully these are staying and not just passing through.
It is interesting to see how birds appear to return year after year to the same places. By that I mean, not just to the same area but very close to the same nest site. Recently, I have observed yellow hammer, chaffinch, greenfinch, linnet, and blackcap all singing from the very same perch where I saw them last year (not all; on the same perch of course).

Grey Partridge

A pair of grey partridge was set up by my dog this morning. I have lived at this location in Kent for almost a year, and this is my first sighting of these lovely birds. Previously, I have seen some french partridge which were no doubt released on the neighbouring shooting estate.
It is many years (back when I lived in Wales), since I last heard the distinctive call of the partridge and I can only hope that this pair settle here to breed and I once again, shall be able to to here the male bird confirming his territory on long hot summer evenings.
Interestingly, there appear to be far more pheasant that have escaped the gun than is usually the case and the cocks can be regularly seen displaying to hen birds. There could well be a many young birds to repopulate the area from the wild come the autumn.

Brecon Beacons

It is said that the skylark is a threatened species in the UK. Having spent the last three days hill-walking in the Brecon Beacons, I am able to confirm that this remains a major stronghold for the bird. Not only is it numerous, but the density of nesting birds is very high, probably at four or five pairs per acre.
In addition, there were many pairs of meadow pipit, and wheatears. The latter would only have been back on their territories for a week or two but I must have seen at least half a dozen pairs just on one day. Ravens, carrion crows, and buzzards were also in evidence. Though seeing red kites in their natural environment, high in the mountains, was a real bonus.

Stoat

Had a surprise visitor to the garden this morning. From the breakfast table was able to watch as the stoat crossed backwards and forwards across the garden in its usual frenetic manner. Further investigation showed that it had been attempting to gain entry to the chicken run.
There are a large number of rabbits around at the moment so a stoat should have no difficulty finding sufficient food in the wild.

Two new sightngs

On a lovely spring morning, I saw two species not previously observed in this area. Firstly, a pair of siskins visited a feeder in the garden, and then, whilst out walking the dog, a pair of willow tits made their presence known.

Nesting Frenzy

I now have four species of bird actively nest building in the garden:  Blackbird; robin; hedge accentor; and, blue tit.