Report information
As I stand gazing across a stunning Mendip hillside a mixed group of wintering Thrushes catches my eye. These Redwings and Fieldfares are frantically feeding on the last of the winter berries, and to me are one of the iconic signs of winter in our countryside, reminding me that winter's icy blast is only a change in the wind away.
Yet scanning the lower edges of the rugged pasture I notice a familiar white flash; the tell-tale rump plumage of a Wheatear in flight. Closer inspection reveals at least 10 more of these migrants which, although they only pass through Mendip, are a signal to me that Summer is inching closer by the day.
Being in the field at this time of year is made even more exciting because you never know quite what to expect. The birds that winter with us are gathering together and preparing to head north, whilst those which have spent their winter thousands of miles south in Africa begin to arrive.
I begin to make my way to one of the many dips next to the dry stone boundary wall, where I can escape from the biting wind, when my eye is caught by a bright flicker of sunlight reflected on scales. It seems I'm not the only one soaking up the sun's strengthening rays; two Common Lizards, fresh from hibernation, are sitting perfectly still against the rocks.
Back home in my garden a pair of Blackcaps are feeding on my bird table. We regularly have these birds throughout the winter but we have never had them stay during the summer; they would normally settle further north of here. Now at the end of March, I am wondering if they will actually stay with us this year and nest? I will keep you posted!
Chris Sperring MBE
There's more on the world famous naturalist and broadcaster Chris Sperring Chris' website
Brett describes his first sighting of a wheatear in the report Spring's first Wheatear
For other migrant bird updates, you can visit RSPB and BTO