Yesterday morning was our monthly public nature walk at Paxton Pits, led by Mike who pointed out lots of signs that the wildlife is waking up from the winter dormancy and making plans to reproduce whether plants or animals. The blue tits were busy in various areas collecting moss for their nest accompanied in one area by siskins. The latter may be winter visitors though there is a good breeding population in the uk (lowest in the East of England but showing a 44% increase since 2013). Lots of Chiffchaffs voicing their claims on good nesting areas with their calls. The insects are definitely getting active with the Tapered Dronefly, Early Colletes bee, the parasitic Bee Fly and Peacock Butterfly on the wing. Lots of signs of nest building, courtship and territory aggression among the birds and the Muntjac are much bolder when they need to build up body mass for breeding and territorial disputes.
