Hugh’s News – 27 March 2020
Yesterday was of course due to be the March indoor meeting. It was a difficult decision to suspend our programme, but really it became inevitable as the scale of the pandemic threat increased. Hopefully we can all get through the coming weeks without too much turmoil and then begin to resume a more normal life again.
In the meantime, due to social distancing I should have more time to update members regularly on this blog. No excuses! I hope you particularly like the articles at this time of isolation.
Of course, we are just beginning to enter the main spring migration period, always an exciting time of year after the long winter. It is just a pity that the opportunities to get out to witness it are limited this year. Before the more strict lock-down instructions were issued, I know that Avocet numbers were increasing daily at their main breeding site at Burton Mere Wetlands, with over 100 birds seen. Wheatears are beginning to trickle in on the coast and Hilbre, and numbers will swell over the next 2 or 3 weeks. Chiffchaffs have been seen and heard singing. These are the usual early migrants but the number of species coming through will build now, especially with good weather.
I am already looking forward to seeing the first Swallow and Sand Martin of the year over my garden, always a inspiring moment that tells you that summer has arrived. A little later, screaming Swifts will be wheeling overhead. A single Spoonbill dropped into Burton Mere Wetlands on Tuesday 17th March before relocating to Parkgate. Two birds were then reported on the 25th! Could they become a breeding pair? Time will tell.
I have decided to include a few photos from previous Field Meetings to make up for this week’s cancelled visit to Heswall. These are from 2015 and 2016! I hope you enjoy them.
If you have any observations from your gardens or your exercise walks, please let me know and I will share them with members.
Send to [email protected].
In the meantime, stay safe. I will post again soon hopefully.
Hugh Stewart
