Report 01-06 March 2022

Spring migration has started. New arrivals at La Cassinazza this week included 50 or so Ruff, about as many Common Snipe, and several dozen Green Sandpipers. Flocks of Cranes flew overhead, as did a baker’s dozen Golden Plovers. There was a clear influx of Fieldfares and Chiffchaffs. Water Pipits also came through, although they blend in so well in the mud and dirt that we often fail to notice them Finches, on the other hand, largely left the area. The numbers of Siskins and Chaffinches have plummeted, and Bramblings are essentially gone. New species for the season were Greenshank, Black-winged Stilt, Stonechat, Goldfinch, Red Kite, Goshawk, and Hen Harrier. The last-named species was once regularly found all winter long, but now they rarely push as far south as the Po Plain. Other interesting sightings this week included Great Bittern, Coal Tit, Little Ringed Plover, Pygmy Cormorant – once a rarity here, but now a constant presence – Peregrine, and Lesser Spotted Woodpeckers in full song. Finally, it is always a thrill to flush a Woodcock.

I have chosen the Fieldfare as my bird of the week. It is undoubtedly the most handsome of our thrushes.