Spent quite a few days out in the Preseli area over the last fortnight on the annual search for kite nests. Although still plenty around, there is so far very little nesting activity with only one sighting of carrying nest material. In fact almost all birds are treating this Spring as if it is still Winter. The woods are still full of redwings turning over leaves in mixed flocks with blackbirds, and woodcock can be flushed in similar numbers to mid-winter, whereas in most years they are hard to find by the third week of March. A couple of nights ago there were 16 woodcock counted in three fields at Maenclochog. The woods are eerily quiet with as yet no singing chiffchaffs and even song thrushes and great tits are silent - just the occasional drumming of a great spot and the calls of nuthatch and treecreeper.
I'm looking forward to some warmth when it arrives but meanwhile I'm not complaining, this is loads nicer weather to be out in than the usual Preseli murk!
