Early spring signs
Sand Martin over Posbrook Floods is usually the first sign of spring migration on my Hampshire patch, unless a Northern Wheatear drops onto the shingle at nearby Hill Head before. It’s moments and encounters like this that help to make March a truly exciting month for the patchbirder – after the long wait, spring is finally arriving. It’s a perfect time to get out and about.
Species: Eurasian Bittern
March can be a surprisingly good month to connect with Eurasian Bittern, even if it’s not a species that is usually present in your area. In the evenings, visit a nearby reedbed and listen. Some bitterns will be heading off to breeding grounds from their wintering areas – their graoh flight call is distinctive and they may utter it as they take off ahead of or during a night flight. Some people even pick them up over their gardens on noc-mig. If bittern breeds in your area, the iconic booming song may be heard from mid-March onwards.
Weather condition: southerly winds
Southerlies are most helpful for migrants arriving from the Continent. In contrast, cold northerlies can stall migration, especially if combined with wintry conditions. Keep an eye on the forecast and if there is an airflow arriving from the south then early migrants could be on the cards, especially if you live in southern England. I mentioned Sand Martin and Northern Wheatear earlier, but another classic early arrival is Little Ringed Plover. It breeds at wetlands including gravel pits, reservoirs or anywhere suitable with pools of water and bare ground (generally sandy or gravel), so could turn up in unexpected places.
Common Chiffchaffs and Sandwich Terns also arrive in March. These are joined by Garganey, Swallow, House Martin and Willow Warbler towards the end of the month. All of these species should be on your patch radar if a southerly wind blows.
Habitat: woodland
Calm, sunny mornings in March are also good for visiting woodlands or wooded areas – they should be full of birdsong and activity. Scarcer species include Lesser Spotted Woodpecker and Marsh and Willow Tits, all of which favour wet woodlands, particularly areas with willow, alder and plentiful dead wood. These species are sadly much less widespread nowadays, which makes any records even more valuable. Meanwhile, in Scottish Caledonian forests, Crested Tits should be active. Commoner species to look out for are Crossbill, Eurasian Siskin, Lesser Redpoll, Eurasian Treecreeper and Coal Tit. Firecrest is also becoming increasingly apparent in southern Britain.
Nearby vantage points are good for monitoring displaying raptors such as Eurasian Goshawk and Common Buzzard. Fine days with a breeze should see plenty of species on the wing and, if you’re patient and persistent, you may be treated to views of displaying Accipiter hawks. Ravens should also be active and will likely already be feeding young.