March wildlife to spot in the UK

I thought I would introduce a new monthly post to Enviroline Blog. I love nature and wildlife, though I tend to focus on sustainability. This way, I can ensure that I write something to do with nature each month. I loved taking part in the bird watch for RSPB back in January and I’m currently studying Behavioural Ecology which is SO interesting. Watching wildlife and spending time in nature can be so beneficial for your mental health. Without further ado, here is my list of March wildlife to spot in the UK.

(Feature photo by Marina Lakotka on Unsplash)

Garden birds

Dunnock (Prunella modularis)

A Dunnock is a small bird with a grey head and underparts, while the wings have brownish streakings. Their beak is short, thin and black in colour. They look a bit like a House Sparrow and I will admit, I often get those two the wrong way round! It’s definitely easy to get them confused as House Sparrows nest all year round. Dunnocks are often found on their own, foraging for insects, worms and spiders on the ground, though they also like seeds. They like vegetated areas with brambles, scrub and hedges, and are often found in parks and gardens. This was one of the birds I counted in the garden watch, as they can be seen all year round.

Related post: 10 ways to attract garden wildlife

Chiffchaff (Phylloscopus collybita)

Chiffchaffs are small yellowy-brown birds from the Warbler family with round heads and short wingtips. They are very similar to the Willow Warbler, but the Chiffchaff have a distinctive song. A young Chiffchaff is much more yellower than an adult. They love to pick at insects and spiders and wander through the foliage. You can find them in gardens, parks and woodlands. Chiffchaffs are around all year but are mostly seen in late March to early September.

Song Thrush (Turdus philomelos)

A garden Song Thrush has brown wings and a creamy yellow underpart with distinctive spots. They hop around, interrupted with short runs, looking for food on the ground. Song Thrushes particularly like to eat snails which they break by smashing them against a rock. As well as snails, they like to eat worms and fruit. Their song consists of repeating phrases, which distinguishes them from Blackbirds. A Song Thrush loves to be in trees, bushes, hedgerows and gardens.

Other garden birds found in March:

• Blackbird
• Wheatear
• Robin
• Blue Tit
• Great Tit
• Long-Tailed Tit
• Wren
• etc.

Butterflies

Although it’s very early for butterflies to be out, you might be able to spot some in March.

Brimstone (Gonepteryx rhamni)

The Brimstone butterfly is often one of the earliest butterflies seen in the spring. Males are bright yellowish-green in colour and females are white-green. Brimstone butterflies aren’t that much bigger than a Cabbage White, which is sometimes known as the Small White.

Red admiral (Vanessa atalanta)

Red Admiral butterflies are seen all year round and are one of the first to be seen flying in early spring. They are quite easy to identify due to their striking pattern.

Continue reading: March wildlife to spot in the UK

Painted lady (Vanessa cardui)

Painted Lady adult butterflies can be seen from late March until early October. They migrate from Northern Africa and Arabia but come back to the UK and Ireland to mate and produce their offspring.

Other butterflies found in March:

• Comma
• Peacock
• Orange-tip
• Small Tortoiseshell

Flowers

Another category of March wildlife is flowers! Spring is a vital time for pollinators so we will start to see pollinating flowers. Already in February, I have seen some daffodils flower, but I can’t wait for them to come out even more.

Primrose (Primula vulgaris)

Primrose is a gorgeous light yellow perennial flower that is a sign that spring has arrived! They are one of the first flowers to bloom in woodland areas. They are common all across the UK and Ireland, just head to your local woodland and I’m sure you’ll find some.

Hyacinth (Hyacinthus orientalis)

The Hyacinth is another perennial flower that blooms in March. They are such beautiful flowers, mainly pink, purple, red and white. Although, they are poisonous so keep them away from your pets and wash your hands after touching them.

Daffodil (Narcissus)

There is a wide range of varieties of the Daffodil, but the one that is seen the earliest is Narcissus. It is also a perennial flower.

I hope you enjoyed reading this different style of post. I didn’t include every single category or species of March wildlife, otherwise, we’d be here forever!

What March wildlife are you looking forward to seeing?

Best wishes, Cx