Early nesters

Driving to Carmarthen this morning and just as I crossed the River Cothi it was obvious how well advanced nesting Rooks are.  Not only are most of the nests renewed but birds appear to be sitting.  This is not unusual of course but perhaps a little amazing given the cold weather up until recently.

There are quite a number of records of Crossbills in Mid Wales at the moment and they too should be well into their nesting cycle.  This species needs to nest early so that the chicks hatch just as pine seeds become available.

Song Thrushes are now singing loudly each morning as are many of the tit family and it will only be a week or two now before we see Sand Martins and Chiffchaffs the first returning migrants from Africa.