Medmerry in March

An afternoon trip to Medmerry on the cusp of spring produced a range of interesting sightings. From the very beginning skylarks were singing, a real highlight at this time of year.

Shortly after entering the reserve a fallow field showed the benefits of leaving uncropped areas laden with seed, for it was teeming with yellowhammers, reed buntings and chaffinches. The buntings and finches were regularly flitting between the ground in the field and a scrubby boundary hedge. The majority of the birds were yellowhammers, and Medmerry is one of the best places in the area to see them.

In several previous posts I have written about repeat sightings of individual migratory birds that have returned to the same areas, and happened on this day once more. Previously it was colour-rings that identified the individuals, however this time it was peculiar plumage that made the bird recognisable. A teal that had large areas of white feathers, and paler than typical flanks, most likely meaning a leucistic individual, was on the water. It was in this exact spot where the same bird was in December of 2019, you can read about that sighting here.

Teal at Medmerry. Photo by C. Downie.

A male kestrel with rich colours hunted around the banks and rough grassland. We didn’t see him catch anything, however with warmth in the sun it is likely basking slow worms and common lizards were on the menu.

Male kestrel. Photo by C. Downie.

Later on a delightful barn owl flew low over the ditches in daylight hours. The owl was perhaps brought out earlier than typical due to poor weather in the days prior to this one, and now needed to make the most of good conditions. After a period of focussed hunting the owl plunged into the grass, and shortly after reappeared with a vole in its beak. The owl initially lifted off with its catch in its beak, and then deftly transferred it to its talons in mid air. The owl found somewhere private to eat its meal but came out once again, this time posing beautifully on a fence post in between hunting bouts.

Barn Owl. Photo by C. Downie.

A slight evening chorus was building as the sun set. The yellowhammers that were feeding in a large flock a few hours prior had spread themselves out, and were singing to exclaim their territories. A great way to end the afternoon.

Yellowhammer. Photo by C. Downie.

If you are interested in attending a guided walk, the upcoming events can be seen on the Events page on this website, here. Or to receive news of upcoming events prior to them being published on the website you can join my mailing list by emailing me at: baggaleyhugh@gmail.com

- Hugh Baggaley