Little egret: always present with a maximum of 4 birds on 24/03/15

Gadwall: maximum of 15 on 13/03/15

Teal: maximum of 210 on 19/03/15

Pintail: maximum of 6 on 05/03/15

Wigeon: maximum of 10 on 19/03/15

Shoveler: a single on 05/03/15 was the only record.

Marsh harrier: 2 different second calendar year birds visited during the month though never both together - both birds have been regular visitors since last autumn

Hen harrier: a ringtail on 03/03/15 was the last sighting of a bird which has paid occasional visits to the reserve throughout the winter.

Water rail: Seen on four occasions during the month beneath the feeders in the car park

Great spotted woodpecker: a regular visitor to the feeders with two different males and one female involved

Green woodpecker: 1 calling on 18/03/15

Fieldfare: present throughout the month with a maximum of 350 on 18/03/15 (left, photo Dave Appleton)

Blackcap: a male defended the feeders in the car park throughout the month driving off all species which attempted to feed except great spotted woodpeckers and robins

Chiffchaff: the first of the spring sang briefly on 23/03/15.

Tree sparrow: 2 birds were in residence on the edge of the reserve.

The first butterfly of the year was a peacock on 19/03/15