April 2015 will be noted for the dearth of Swallows. There are very few as I write (24th) and no big numbers have been reported from migration watchpoints or the reservoirs. I have only seen one House Martin so far and that at Brean Down. Let’s hope that it is just a matter of delayed arrival and that good numbers of these birds have reached us by the time that you read this.
On a more positive note, John Croxton heard a Cuckoo at the sea wall on the 21st, quite an early date, and he saw a dozen Wheatears, a Whinchat and a group of Whimbrel there on the same day.
Goldcrest
Hartley Staples has seen a Goldcrest in his garden; this species is doing well after a few milder winters and favours gardens with conifers in them or nearby.
There are several in Yatton, in areas where there are conifer trees.
Summer visitors are returning slowly to the Strawberry Line with lots of Blackcaps singing now, a few Willow Warblers (these will move on), and just the odd Sedge Warbler and Reed Warbler so far. I recorded the first Whitethroat today but am still waiting for Lesser Whitethroat to arrive. The resident Cetti’s Warblers are making themselves heard as they sort out their breeding territories.
A Short Eared Owl has been seen on a few evenings around the Dowlais Farm conservation area south of Clevedon and in the skies Ospreys and Red Kites have been reported. You have to be in the right place at the right time and looking up to see them though.
May should bring Swifts and, just maybe, a few more Cuckoos visiting us as well.
Trevor Riddle
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