I-SPY IN MARCH

Spring has arrived!

The longer days and the increasing temperatures bring early bees, such as the Buff-tailed Bumble Bee, and butterflies, such as Peacocks, Commas, Brimstones and Small Tortoiseshells, out to enjoy the sun.

Fruit trees start to bloom: orchard trees are an amazing spectacle this month in our Parks and green spaces.

Coast and marshes

Common Tern, Black-headed and Herring Gulls can all be seen as usual out on the marshes and mudflats. A host of other species of birds can also be seen including Shelduck, Redshank, Oystercatcher, Marsh Harrier, Lapwing, Cormorant, Swan, Moorhen, Mallard and Coot. This will be the last month when you can still spy Black Tailed Godwit, Brent Geese, Curlew, Pintail, Teal, Turnstone, Dunlin and Wigeon, as they are starting their Spring migration.

Hills and woodland

This is the time of year that our woodlands really come to life. The woodland spring flowers are now emerging including Wood Anemone, Speedwells and Early Dog-violet. We will also see a huge amount of activity among our small birds as they start to pair up and build nests. Keep an eye out for Tree Pipits, which have arrived early this year and other new arrivals on migration include Wheatear, Sand Martin, House Martin and Ring Ouzel.

Larger birds, such as Jay and Magpie are also nest building and easily seen at the moment.

Gardens and greenspaces

Across our gardens and greenspaces the Crocus and Daffodils are at their best. We will also see more unusual plants in flower such as Hellebores. Keep an eye out for the first Brimstone butterflies.

With the start of Spring there is more food more available, and the birds are more active as they enter the breeding season. It is always possible to spot many of our commonest birds including Blackbird, Starling and House Sparrow, Long-tailed Tit, Blue tit and Great tit. The robin is also easily seen.

Click on an image below to open a full size slide show:

If you are able to visit the coastline as part of your local exercise, please check out the Bird Wise North Kent website for more information on our coastal birds.

Don’t forget to let us know what you see and help us record the biodiversity of Medway!