The Raven’s nest on the pylon visible from Lampley Road seems to have been deserted. Ravens often build several nests and abandon them – last year’s pylon nest on Congresbury Moor doesn’t appear to be active currently either. This year there is a Rookery survey and more seem to be nesting close to busy roads now. Whilst observing a Rookery at Wick St Lawrence recently a pair of Ravens approached and caused mayhem. I wonder if Rooks are adopting road side nesting as a defence against Ravens who don’t (yet?) like to be close to fast traffic?
Early in the month a walk along Wemberham Lane produced six Stonechats in a loose group. They were gone the next day – perhaps they were in course of moving to their upland breeding territories. A Kingfisher nearby was an added bonus. A Wheatear was present along the sea wall on the eleventh, my first spring migrant of the year and a couple of Short Eared Owls have been reported from the Kenn Estuary recently.
The cool weather seems to have delayed arrival of spring migrants and the departure of wintering birds. The first Chiffchaff was singing in Wemberham Lane on the 19th, ten days later than last year. The next day a flock of 200 Fieldfares were on Kenn Moor – a late date for such a big number.
I was interested to see what effect, if any, the solar eclipse had on the local birds. At the peak of the eclipse the bird song continued but seemed more muted – I didn’t see any go to roost – I think that the TV exaggerated that a bit.
Jill and I paid a visit to the Forest of Dean where we were able to watch a Great Grey Shrike
(they aren’t very big!) These birds store prey on a thorn bush known as a larder but whilst we were watching it only caught a small insect which it consumed immediately. It had caught two lizards earlier and a photographer was able to show us a picture of one capture. Presumably the lizards were just coming out of hibernation and perhaps weren’t fully awake.
Trevor Riddle 01934 835208
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