Birds - Early Spring

Dawn Chorus

The dawn chorus through the early spring is dominated by the Thrushes - Blackbird, Song Thrush and MistleThrush sing beautifully backed up by the exuberant warbles and trilling from Robins and Wrens. Early summer visitors such as Chiff-Chaff and Blackcap join the increasingly vibrant sound of nature's alarm clock. At both Roswell Pits and Wicken Fen the exuberant outbursts from the rare Cetti's Warbler may also be a feature
Top Spots
Ely Common (TL 553 807 or N+52 24' 11" E+0 16' 51"), Roswell Pits (TL 553 805 or N+52 24' 3" E+0 16' 54"), Wicken Fen (TL 563 705 or N+52 18' 36" E+0 17' 29") and Cherry Hill Park (TL 542 799, or N+52 23' 44" E+0 15' 50")

Sand Martins

The first of the long distant migrants returning from Africa to spend the summer months with us. From mid-march any open water could attract a few of these fork tailed brown hirundines (members of the Swallow family). Their chattering call overhead may draw attention to them
Top Spots
Potters Bridge, Ely (TL 563 808 or N+52 24' 12" E+0 17' 48") and Ely Waterside (TL 547 799 or N+52 23' 45" E+0 16' 19")

Chiff-Chaff

Heralding the first warmer days of spring the Chiff Chaffs, who sound exactly as they should, may be birds that have spent the winter ere or new arrivals from warmer climes
Top Spots
Pocket Park(TL 549 803 or N+52 23' 56 E+0 16' 31"), Kiln Lane, on the 'bridge' between the pits on Kiln Lane (TL 553 806 or N+52 24' 5" E+0 16' 51") and Wicken Fen (TL 563 705 or N+52 18' 36" E+0 17' 29")