It is often said that “March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb.” From a birding perspective, March is a month of transition, with winter finally loosening its grip and spring advancing with each passing day. Wintering waders and wildfowl steadily thin out, resident birds are in full song, and each mild southerly breeze carries the promise — and increasingly the reality — of fresh arrivals from Africa and southern Europe.
Winter Visitors on the Move
Both Chichester Harbour and Pagham Harbour can retain a wintry feel early in the month, with lingering flocks of Dark-bellied Brent Geese still grazing the mudflats and surrounding fields. Their departure may occur at any time, and a shift to easterly winds can prompt skeins of geese to rise and head out into the Channel, beginning their long journey to Arctic breeding grounds in western Siberia.
At low tide, expansive mudflats continue to support gatherings of Black-tailed Godwit, Dunlin, Grey Plover, Knot and Redshank, though numbers gradually diminish as birds depart for northern Europe and beyond.
Seawatching comes into its own in March. Selsey Bill, Worthing seafront, Splash Point and Beachy Head can be especially productive during onshore south-easterly winds. Passage of Red-throated Divers often peaks now, accompanied by movements of wildfowl including Pintail, Shoveler, Teal and Wigeon. Under favourable conditions, a steady flow of Sandwich Terns and Mediterranean Gulls may pass eastwards, while dark lines of Common Scoters skim low over the waves, occasionally joined by a few Velvet Scoters.
Resident Birds in Full Voice
As winter yields to spring, woodland birds sing with renewed intensity as territories are established and defended. To fully appreciate the dawn chorus, an early start is essential — ideally somewhere removed from traffic and aircraft noise. The Sussex Wildlife Trust reserves at Burton Mill Pond and Ebernoe Common both offer peaceful surroundings and support a rich woodland bird community.
March remains an excellent month to observe the spectacular display flights of Goshawk. On sunny, breezy mornings, viewpoints overlooking extensive conifer plantations can yield prolonged views of displaying males “switch-backing” — plunging steeply before powering vertically upward with wings held tight to the body, sometimes repeating the manoeuvre several times. Common Buzzards are more conspicuous, their familiar mewing calls carrying as they circle in strengthening thermals.
Lowland heaths such as Ambersham Common and Iping and Stedham Commons come into their own during March. Woodlarks continue their beautiful, fluting song flights, joined by the scratchy songs of Dartford Warblers and Stonechats as males reclaim their territories among gorse and heather.
In wet woodland habitats in the north of the county, Lesser Spotted Woodpeckers remain active, particularly on calm, bright mornings. A burst of drumming from high in the canopy may betray their presence, and with patience you might be rewarded with a fleeting treetop view.
The Arrival of Summer Migrants
It is the migrants, however, that truly define birding in March.
Sand Martins are often first to return, skimming low over gravel pits and wetlands such as RSPB Pulborough Brooks. Soon afterwards, Swallows begin to trickle through, particularly in the second half of the month. Chiffchaffs arrive in increasing numbers, followed by Blackcaps, their songs quickly becoming a characteristic part of the woodland soundscape.
Wheatear is another early arrival and, for many birders, the true herald of spring. Most years bring “falls” when light northerly winds interrupt migration and scatter birds along the Sussex coast. On such days, Wheatears may be encountered all along the shoreline, especially at favoured locations including Selsey Bill, Shoreham Beach and Newhaven Tidemills. Good Wheatear days may also coincide with the arrival of a handful of Black Redstarts along the coast.
March is also a good month for Water Pipit, particularly in the east of the county where spring passage can boost numbers at sites such as Combe Valley Country Park and West Rise Marsh.
By late March, the first Willow Warblers may appear, and in suitable wetland habitats such as RSPB Pulborough Brooks and Sidlesham Ferry there is always the chance of a Garganey or a Little Ringed Plover dropping in.
Tips for March Birding
- Watch the weather carefully. Light northerly winds can trigger falls of Wheatears along the coast and prominent headlands, while south-easterlies are often best for seawatching.
- Start early. Calm, bright mornings are ideal for birdsong and observing heathland species.
- Revisit productive sites. March changes rapidly; a quiet reserve one week may be alive with migrants the next.
- Keep an eye on local bird news services for reports of scarcities, influxes and notable coastal movements.
Wheatear – Nick Bond
