COMING AND GOING AT CARLTON MARSHES

   The last few weeks have seen the annual spring migration taking place with many species arriving for the spring and summer breeding season while others have been departing our shores for the continent to return later in the year. The earliest of the arrivals is usually the Chiffchaff  and this year was no exception with the first birds appearing at the beginning of April when they can be easily found by listening for the distinctive two tone song which leads to their name. In appearance they can be easily confused with the similar looking Willow Warbler but I find that apart from the song the best way to tell them apart is through the Chiffchaff having darker legs. The pictures below are of a Chiffchaff.

   One of next to appear was the Blackcap which can be recognised as the name suggests from the black top to the head. Only the males have this black colouration with the females having a brown cap instead but even this makes them quite distinctive and not easily confused with any other birds. The other main identifying feature of the Blackcap at this time of the year is the fantastic song that the males produce with varying 'flutey' tones. Below is a male that was singing in the bushes a couple of weeks ago.

   Next come a few other warblers including Willow, Sedge and Reed all of which I hope to see and picture in the coming weeks. the easiest to observe is normally the Sedge warbler which likes to sing from a prominent spot as seen below. Also appearing now are the the Whitethroats, Cuckoos, Swallows, Sand and House Martins and Swifts which will hopefully keep me busy for the next few sessions.

   Finally to one of our departing species, the Short Eared Owl which I managed to picture at Carlton Marshes recently. The bird seems to have been present for a few weeks now as it feeds up before heading across the channel to the continent and is always a delight to see as it flies low over the marshes hunting voles with its intense yellow eyes seeming to look right at you. This species is a day hunting owl and can be seen at any time during the colder months over areas of rough pasture and marshland and is one of the highlights of my year.