Friday 16th March (Looking for Signs of Spring)


Mr. Kite looked out of his bedroom window into a greyish white sky. A robin sang to mark his territory. Today Mr. Kite had a plan; to search for a sand martin.

On this date in recent years Mr. Kite had managed to spot at least one sand martin. These small fluttery birds with a forked tail are one of the earliest summer visitors to arrive. Brown on the top and white underneath with a brown band they are often seen flying low over water. Would Mr. Kite spot one today?

First Stop Venus Pool

In the cool morning air Mr. Kite cycled along the country lanes passing blossoms and buds bursting with leaves. Dunnocks, robins, chaffinch and wrens flitted in the hedgerows. Spring was secretly and slowly heading towards summer. Corvids and buzzards flew overhead.

Mr. Kite arrived at V.P. and sat in the hide scanning the low over the water looking for a little brown bird. In front of the hide a common redshank waded with coots, moorhens, teal, mallards and a shoveler nearby. Shelduck slept on the islands with lapwings. But a sand martin could not be seen. For nearly an hour Mr. Kite searched the area but without success.

Second Stop Atcham Bridge


Following a gentle ride from V.P. Mr. Kite arrived at Atcham Bridge. With good views from the two bridges Mr. Kite looked out over the River Severn and along the river banks. Plenty of canada geese and goosander could be seen but not a sand martin. For a good thirty minutes Mr. Kite peered over the parapet looking but again without success.

Third Stop Monkmoor Lagoon


The last chance was Monkmoor Lagoon where sand martins nest in a bank near the hide and on the river. Opening the window of the hide mr. Kite spotted mute swans, mallards, teal and stock doves. Searching for nearly an hour once again Mr. Kite was not successful. However it was a pleasant few hours cycling and bird-watching.