Friday 5th March 2011

Thirty species on the walk into work from Barming this morning, including a Gull spectacular: Black-headed (x23), Common (x15), LBB (x3) and a flyover GBB.  Best sighting went to a very vocal Nuthatch calling high up from the oaks by the North Street allotments, not as exciting as having a Sperm Whale on patch but my first for the year and only the third on patch.

The unique wind vane atop one of the Research buildings - 

demonstrating the effect of different Malling rootstocks (M series) on fruit tree vigour

There was still a chill in the air with the easterly wind persisting, but eventually the sun came out and I checked the plots to see what was about.

The Linnets were still looping nervously around the tunnel frames, occasionally perching up on them, and were joined by three Skylarks.  A quick check of the Miscanthus plots turned up 5+ Reed Buntings, and then it was back to work!