Birds of March

An exceptionally rare view of an incredibly numerous local bird. Common scoters are found in their thousands offshore here, but this lone female dropped in on the local freshwater lake - normally they're dots in the distance.

Here are the new species for my year list this month. Mostly species I've seen before, and generally poor quality views. The first of the summer migrants have started arriving, which should keep the total rising over the next few weeks :)

Though a few overwinter here, most chiffchaffs return in March and April. Hearing their lighthearted, aimless song is a sure sign the season has changed.

March 2015
9 species (1 lifer) - year total 111
Avocet
Chiffchaff
Common scoter
Dipper
Lesser redpoll
Rock pipit
Stock dove
Tawny owl
Wheatear (below)

I didn't see the water pipit(s) on a recent visit to look for them, but this Scandinavian rock pipit (Anthus petrosus littoralis) was almost as notable.