1st April 2026

A monthly round-up of bird sightings in and around Staple.

Water Rail (Library picture)

Birds in March: Finally, a clear view of a Water Rail in the Great Pedding stream on 5th March. This is a rather secretive species spending much of its time skulking in the reeds at the side of the stream. There have been glimpses of suspected individuals but nothing positive until now. On the same day, a Raven flew over and 2 x Red Kites were checking out the area. 2 x Cormorants were perched on fence posts and 11 x Snipes were in the turnip field adjacent to the stream. 5 x Teal were flushed from the stream and included an injured individual that couldn't fly. At least 15 x Meadow Pipits were on the wires. On 16th, 2 x Egyptian Geese flew into the fields alongside the stream, only the second time that I've recorded this species here. Also present were 2 x Red Kites, 2 x Teal and a Little Egret. I was probably late to the party, but a Chiffchaff was shouting its name out in Lea Wood on the 17th. On 20th there were 50+ Fieldfares in the orchard and still a few on 30th, feeding on the remaining crab apples that persist into spring. On 26th, there were 6 x Common Buzzards circling over Great Pedding, another superbly plumaged Red Kite, 3 x Snipes and a Cetti's Warbler calling from the vegetation adjacent to the reservoir. I disturbed the injured Teal on the stream on 30th and it is now in resplendent adult male plumage. It looks very healthy despite being unable to fly. It's probably destined to have a lonely summer if it survives the attention of a passing Marsh Harrier. A walk to Crixhall Court on 31st turned up several Corn Buntings and Yellowhammers in the hedgerow. With the sun shining they seemed more active and obvious despite being regularly seen along this track. I haven't seen a Barn Owl for some time in the area. However, there were recent pellets on the barn floor which is an encouraging sign. Bird of the day (and it would've probably made bird of the month but for the Water Rail) was a superb male Greenfinch on the feeders at the churchyard. They have been a scarce bird locally for some time having been hit hard by a parasite induced disease called trichomonosis. Finally, had there been 32 days in March, I would've added Swallow to this months list!