Wildlife of the Bollin Valley

What to Look Out for in March and April

Swallow

length 19 cm; steel-blue back; reddish-chestnut throat; dark breast band; whitish underparts

Keep a watch around farm buildings for the first of these long-distance migrants, completing their 6,000 mile long journey backfrom the south of Africa. Males tend to arrive first. The mails have longer tail 'streamers' than the females.

Chiffchaff

length 11 cm; a little brown bird; olive-brown above with faint pale eye stripe; whitish beneath

This is one of the first summer visitors to return to our woodlands (from mid-Africa where it has over-wintered) and it is very common in the Valley. Listern for its monotonous "chiff-chaff" or "zip-zap" song, often delivered from high up in the tree canopy.

Greater Spotted Woodpecker

length 23 cm; black and white; large white innerwing patch; red vent (under tail); juv. has red crown, adult male has red nape of neck

Our commonest woodpecker, at its most active during March and April. Listern for its load territorial "drumming", as it taps its bill repeatedly against a resonant dead branch. Has a noticeable, undulating flight, when its white wing patches may be seen.