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Things to look out for in March
March truly marks the onset of spring and even though the weather may not always reflect this there is inevitably a feeling of optimism. The activities of birds and animals reflect this. Vegetation is beginning the thicken at this time, however it is still an ideal time to spot animals and birds that may be camouflaged by vegetation later on in the year. Particularly hares, which are much rarer than they used to be partly due to the intensification of agriculture.
March is an ideal time to start to listen to birdsong, as birds are beginning to establish territories again. Birds such as long-tailed tits (Aegithalos caudatus) may also be starting work on their nests; rooks (Corvus frugilegus) are also early nest-builders. In your garden most birds will have found or be finding a mate so there will be a lot of activity and a lot of birds to record during this time. If you know of a nest being built by a particular species then this is a great record as it is a sign of a breeding pair. Although many people feed birds during this time, nesting materials can also be put out.
Frogs (Rana spp.) and toads (Bufo spp.) begin to emerge from hibernation in the early spring and common frogs (Rana temporaria) are the earliest of our amphibians to be seen and have often been known to breed earlier than March.
Plants like lesser celandine (Ranunculus ficaria) and wood anemones (Anemone nemorosa) are some of the first to emerge in woodlands around the country, and in more open areas primroses (Primula vulgaris) are very early flowers, depended upon by early insects such as the Brimstone butterfly (Gonepteryx rhamni). Wild daffodils (Narcissus pseudonarcissus) can also be seen in early spring, they are much more delicate than the typical garden varieties. Queen bumblebees (Bombus spp.) may already be out searching for a suitable nesting site. A bee box may be an ideal way to attract them to your garden.
Good places to visit in March
Blean Woods National Nature Reserve
Knole Park National Trust property and grounds
Yockletts Bank Kent Wildlife Trust nature reserve