In this post I'll be looking for signs of Spring. Firstly, let's look back at the brief flooding incident which hit Bridgnorth last month.
The sudden appearance of flood water was the main interest along the Severn in February throughout Shropshire. Many homes and vehicles along the banks of the river here in Bridgnorth Low Town were engulfed by the rapid flood. It took many local residents by surprise, in particular the speed at which the water level rose. An article from the Shropshire Star website explains further:
Clear Up Begins As Floods Subside
As the water receded, I managed to get out and about and, in the heavy rain, took the photo above of the playing field at Bramble Ridge on February 13th. There were a huge number of Gulls there, making the most of what was left of the flood water for feeding and bathing opportunities. I estimated there to be between 250 and 300 birds all at one time. The vast majority were the Black-headed Gulls, refer my description in January's post for further details of this species. There were several of the Lesser Black-backed variety, plus a solitary Herring Gull (my first ever sighting of this species in Bridgnorth, these are the familiar coastal Gull you will nearly always see at English seaside towns).
All these Gulls have since disappeared to their respective breeding grounds, probably to a local reservoir or disused gravel pit for example, where they breed colonially.
Now is a very good time to view bird nests, not just 'new builds' but last year's constructions too, as the buds bursting into life have not yet fully covered the trees with leaves. The old nest shown below, for example, would most likely have been constructed by a Collared Dove.
Remember it is a criminal offence to interfere or disturb a bird and their nest and eggs during the breeding season. Therefore, please watch and enjoy their nest building and rearing from a long and safe distance, using binoculars if necessary.
Yesterday (19/03/2011) I observed two Sand Martins, having just returned from their winter quarters south of the Sahara. The pair were circling high above and around a known nest site - what looks like an old water overflow pipe high up in a sandy stone wall. This stone cavity was used to rear chicks last year by the same species. There is a very good chance that these will be the same two birds, an impressive feat how they navigate their way back to the same spot, flying over a distance of around 5000 miles.
Sand Martins are usually among the first of the African summers migrants to arrive in the U.K. We can expect to see Swallows and House Martins here next month, followed by Swifts in May. Swifts last arrived here on April 30th 2010, according to my records. I watched a huge arrival flock feeding on the abundance of insects over the river on that date. An interesting factsheet on Sand Martins from the BTO:
Sand Martin Factsheet
A pair of Grey Wagtails were flitting about on the shingle and rocks at Well Meadow yesterday. A great little spot for birdwatching here, this is the ideal habitat for Grey Wags and other bird species for example Dippers and Common Sandpipers. A Little Egret was here at Well Meadow last Summer! No Kingfishers here today unfortunately.
I also saw my first Small Tortoiseshell Butterfly on March 13th, by the edge of Bramble Ridge playing fields. The warm sunshine awakening this stunning insect from hibernation, in search of a mate whilst sipping on nectar along the way.
This spot (shown in the photograph below) is also one of my favourite locations for Kingfishers. They love the secluded and overhanging branches of the trees over the river edge. I once sat here watching a Kingfisher patiently wait for 10 minutes for the right moment, and then dive for a fish. Unforgettable! I now never miss the chance to at least try and observe a Kingfisher here.
In the photo, you can also see the High Rock in the background. Note also the stream running in to the river from the left side. Kingfishers are often seen flitting up and down here in the Summer, perhaps they breed upstream somewhere?
Geologically speaking, this 'rock' material is scientifically termed New Red Sandstone and originates from the Permian era, i.e. about 290 million years ago. Bridgnorth - most of the U.K in fact - was located close to the Earth's equator at this time, and the ground we stand on here in the West Midlands was in fact a desert all those millions of years ago. How environments change over time and space!
The High Rock provides a yearly nest site for Peregrine Falcons. I'll never forget my excitement last Summer of seeing my first ever Peregrines, and right on my door step too. I'll be looking out for their return soon, watch this space.
The pair of Mute Swans have now returned to breed along the river, dispersed from their wintering flocks. The birds are always spectacular to watch, especially as they take off in flight. I know the pair reared at least five Cygnets last year.
Greylag and Farmyard Geese are also in abundance again, with their ever noisy banter. Mixed breed - Hybridised - Greylags and domesticated Farmyard Geese are regularly observed near to the Low Town Bridge. You can see in the photo that the Farmyard Geese are not pure white, having some of the browner Greylag plumage.
Of course, let's not forget the Mallard - the most common Duck species along the river here, and certainly the most easily identifiable. This female is gearing up for the breeding season. She will be busy as up to 13 eggs will be laid by her, hatching after about a one month incubation period and the young fledgling two months later.
I'm looking forward to seeing more signs of Spring later this month. Hopefully more Butterflies will be on the wing, birds such as House Martins, Swallows, and Whitethroats will gradually return here from Africa, and I'll have records of other wildlife such as Otters to report back in April.
