BIRDS
The March crow or Hooded crow (Corvus cornix) is beginning to make its nest. In the south, other hedge birds like the female mistle thrush, blackbirds and song thrushes can be found sitting on eggs. Finches are seeking to establish and guard where they hope to nest before the buds have burst and leaves have appeared for shelter. Most birds put off laying until late April when there is more food available. The song of the blackcap can be heard. Back to top
FLOWERS
There are lots of primroses, blooming early to catch the light before trees break into leaf. They also need every drop of moisture, and the wrinkles in a primrose leaf guide every drop inwards, to the roots. The common name comes from Prima rosa, the first rose. Back to top
INSECTS
Already the buzzing of bees can be heard; most commonly spotted at this time of year are the larger Bombus terrestris and Bombus lucorum (B. lucorum has a cleaner white tail and more lemony yellow bands than B. terrestris).
The bumblebee queen may be seen stirring from hibernation in the hedge bank. Bees need densely vegetated, unsprayed, unpolluted and varied territory with moss for nesting. In March there is little food around for the emergent queens, except for pussy willow catkins. Back to top
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