Full of the sound of birdsong at Lark Rise Farm

We’re full of the joys of spring (yes, it’s a cliche but it’s also true!) at Lark Rise Farm in Cambridgeshire, and our first bird survey of the year has brought some encouraging signs of the season ahead.  

Skylarks are already pairing up and filling the skies with song, while long-tailed tits have begun building their intricate domed nests from moss and lichen. 

Dr Vince Lea, our Conservation Officer, spotted a wood pigeon pair on a nest, along with a blackbird nest containing three eggs - clear evidence the breeding season has started. 

Lapwing pairs were also seen, with one male seen ‘scraping,’ which is where they form a hollow to be lined with dry grass, twigs and stones. 

Lapwing

“The results from the first bird survey of the year at Lark Rise were very encouraging,” said Vince. “We have recorded four grey partridge territories, plenty of skylarks, a 35 plus flock of corn bunting and there are still fieldfare and redwing about.  

“A highlight for me was a wheatear at Westfield, my first proper summer migrant bird of the year so they have crossed seas to get here. The most notable bird was a treecreeper on the edge of Millennium Wood, the first proper woodland bird in that wood.” 

Vince said it is clear the early nesting species are well underway while the later ones are still in winter flock mode or haven’t arrived yet. 

Chiffchaff

"A few chiffchaff singing would have been considered early migrants but are now more like short move residents. There were also more than 50 yellowhammer and 20 corn bunting in flocks, plus some yellowhammer starting to claim territory in places.” 
 
For Vince, bird surveys are about more than just birds, they’re also a chance to observe the wider health of the farm’s wildlife. 

“I saw plenty of water vole signs, which is very encouraging, as well as queen bumblebees, which is despite the fact the survey was carried out in overcast, cool weather,” he said. 

We will keep you posted on our upcoming bird surveys – exciting times ahead as nesting season truly begins.