IT has been rather a quiet winter for local birdwatchers and February was no exception. Waxwings were still around in decent numbers though.

The largest group was a fine flock of 50 birds at Catterick Garrison, 33 were in Darlington town centre and 20 were on Thirsk Road and around Broomfield school, Northallerton.

Smaller numbers were seen at Nosterfield, Croft, East Cowton, Reeth, Ainderby Steeple and Thirsk.

A few birds of prey also enlivened the month. These included a movement of nine Buzzards over Morton-onSwale where two Peregrines were also seen. A fine little Merlin was at Ainderby Steeple with another at Nosterfield reserve where a male Hen Harrier was also seen. A Red Kite was seen over Asenby.

Pinkfeet were also on the move with skeins of 200 seen flying over Catterick and Richmond, around 500 over Nosterfield and a group of 50 birds near Bolton-on-Swale. Other wildfowl records of note included a long-staying Smew and Scaup at Cleasby Perhaps the most exciting potential find was a possible Arctic Redpoll seen near the reedbed at Nosterfield.

This very rare northern finch has not definitely been recorded in the area before although I saw what was almost certainly this species near Leighton Reservoir many years ago.

The bird was with a small flock of Lesser Redpoll so make sure you check your local finch flocks.

Other sightings in February included two Bitterns which were seen with some regularity in the reedbed at Nosterfield but more surprisingly another Bittern was spotted at Cleasby gravel pits. At least two different Mediterranean Gulls were in the roost at Lingham whilst Ruff, Ringed Plover and up to 50 Oystercatchers were seen at Nosterfield reserve.

Looking ahead to March this sees the arrival of the first real summer migrants. Ring Ouzel, Ringed Plover and even Swallows may well be seen by month end but the honours for earliest arrival are usually shared between three species.

The first is the Sand Martin, a relative of the Swallow, which returns to nest in sandy banks near water. The middle reaches of the Swale are one of the best areas for the species and I often see my first bird while driving over Morton bridge.

The second is the Wheatear, with the first birds sometimes returning to their upland breeding sites from midmonth. The name has nothing to do with arable crops but is actually a corruption of the Anglo-Saxon meaning “white arse”, a reference to its striking white rump.

The third contender is the Chiffchaff.

This little warbler is more often heard than seen when it first arrives.

It calls its onomatopoeic name from any area of cover. The call is so distinctive that similar names are recorded in other countries such as the Zilpzalp in Germany or Tjiftjaf in Holland.

March is also the month that waterfowl start their main departures north. If you’re lucky you might spot a large “V”’ of Pinkfooted Geese passing over.

They can be distinguished from the commoner Greylag Goose by their smaller size and their higher pitched call. This can sound reminiscent of a pack of dogs and it is likely that unseen night flying flocks are what gave rise to the old legends of the Wild Hunt or Gabriel’s Hounds.

Whooper Swans should also be on the move. Small family groups or larger herds can drop in on any stretch of open water but the best sites tend to be Scorton Quarry, Bolton-on-Swale lake, Newsham pond or the waters in the Nosterfield area.

It might also be worth keeping a look out for Bewick’s Swans, they are smaller than Whoopers with a more rounded yellow area on the bill. If you are lucky enough to find some, or any other interesting birds, I would love to hear from you at nick.morgan1@virgin.net.