Signs of spring

March is officially the first month of spring and as the temperature starts to rise there are signs all over our reserves. Lesser celandine opens its petals in the sunshine like splashes of gold on a green canvas. The silky paws of the pussy willow catkins ripen, transforming into yellow puffs, attracting early bees and hoverflies. Blackthorn hedges burst into blossom while male brimstone butterflies flutter along lanes and hedgerows on pulsating wings of lemon yellow, looking for a pale green female to mate with.

High above, buzzards perform courtship displays, with elaborate swoops, dives and loops on broad, rounded wings.

These large raptors were once driven to near extinction in the UK, but thankfully have made a remarkable comeback and are now a common sight across our countryside.

Another bird of prey, the kestrel, has already been displaying around our Visitor Centre. This little falcon is instantly recognisable by its ability to hover on pointed wings and fanned tail. If you look closely, you can really appreciate its skill.

Despite buffeting gusts and changes in wind direction, it manages to keep its head motionless, eyes focused on scouring the ground for signs of small mammals and other prey. This proficiency gave rise to its old name of ‘windhover’.

Last year, we were able to watch a pair attempt to raise a family on the TV screen in our Visitor Centre and we are pleased to announce kestrel-cam is back up and running.

However, once again, it is the blue tits that are the first to grace our cameras. A pair have been busy bringing in moss to line their nest and it won’t be long before the female starts laying before our very eyes.

She will lay one egg a day, normally around six or seven in the morning, with an average clutch of eight to ten eggs.

When the penultimate egg is laid, she will settle down to incubate them.

You can follow their progress live by popping into our Visitor Centre on the B2145 between Chichester and Selsey.