On the 2nd March three little egrets were seen, from the hide, feeding on the marsh, increasing to four the following day. One at least came over to feed on the scrape pool. A female peregrine was seen on the marsh, from the bird hide, usually sitting on a log.  Up to 38 shelducks, 80 lapwings, 30 redshanks and 2 cormorants roosted on the marsh edge, at high tide. Also, on 2nd March there were 15 redwings feeding on the meadows.

On the 24th March the Friends of Pickerings Pasture work party spent some time cutting back the branches on the willow seat in the carpark. It is hoped that it can be returned to its former glory with the new growth. The cut branches were used to screen the fence line by the bird hide.  Other members erected a new notice board on the entrance gateway and the new seats on the pasture and the benches in the bird hide area were all re-painted. While we were there two fieldfares were seen flying over in a north-easterly direction: no doubt on their return migration.

Early in April the pastures were full of cowslips and clumps of primroses were in most of the woodlands making a lovely picture. At least 37 snakeshead fritillaries were flowering in a hidden part of the Pasture. Chiffchaffs and blackcaps were recorded singing in the woods on Pickerings and a week or so later up to four willow warblers were also present.

Two great spotted woodpeckers were regularly using the feeders both at the bird hide and at the ranger's cabin. Even in late April large numbers of greenfinches, blue and great tits were still using the feeders at both feeding stations.

 Greenfinch on the feeder

The occasional pair of shelducks and up to nine teals were using scrape pool, during early April. Although lapwing numbers were decreasing, there was still a flock of eighteen on April 9th. A pair was showing an interest in the rubble and soil excavated when the pool was deepened, perhaps with a view to nesting. A large flock of about ninety shelducks could be seen from the hide, displaying and fighting on the marsh. 

On the 12th April a little egret and grey heron were together and, with a pair of shelducks, were using the scrape pool to feed. A pair of Canada goose was seen sitting on a nest on the island in the scrape pool but, unfortunately, the eggs were taken by youths a week or so later. A buzzard, on the look out for the baby rabbits which frequent this area, sat on the fence near the scrape for long periods, giving good views of the bird from the hide.

On the 20th April a female brimstone butterfly was laying her eggs on an alder buckthorn bush. Five peacocks, three orange tips and several green-veined whites were flying about the pastures. The ranger has recorded another male bullfinch, which is quite an unusual bird in this area, so we are hopeful that this species may breed soon.

    Green-veined white on ragged robin

 By early May, some meadows were ablaze with the yellow of buttercups and yellow rattle, while other areas were white with dog daisies, with the red of ragged robin breaking through, in patches. With the wet and windy weather in May, butterfly numbers declined: though towards the end of the month, when the weather improved, numbers increased again. Speckled woods had joined the brimstones and the few remaining peacocks.

A fox was recorded, in early May, coming from the direction of the United Utilities works and up to three grey squirrels were recorded at the feeders, by the bird hide. In addition, a pair of ruddy shelduck could be seen from the bird hide, but they normally stayed well out on the marsh. The male is a hybrid and they are same birds that could be seen over by the decoy.

Throughout May, small numbers of whimbrel could be heard calling, as they passed over the area, on their migrations, with the odd bird landing on the marsh or shoreline, to rest and feed.

Whimbrel

At the very end of May, painted lady butterflies could be seen, moving North .These were part of a massive invasion of these butterflies, which has been taking place all over Britain and which was reported on the TV and in the newspapers.

Cowslips at Pickerings            Snakeshead Fritillary