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Wildlife & Plants In the UK

March

March brings the wind so cold and chill …

Wildlife

Look out for animals emerging from their hibernation, slightly dazed but drawn by the prospect of their first proper meal for what must seem like months. The first insects hatch, some butterflies take to the air, honeybees venture from their hive, a queen bumblebee will be scouring the undergrowth for a suitable nesting place. Waders and wildfowl start to leave us and make their journey back north to their breeding grounds.

What to See	Where to See and comment	What it looks like
Birds of Prey	You may have seen them in the earlier months of the year soaring over the countryside looking for their next meal.
Hares	The mad March Hare (female) boxing, trying to keep that over bearing male from taking advantage until she is ready. It can happen any month, but with vegetation short this time of year it can give a good view
Willow Warbler	Start to build their nests
Mute swans	Start to build their nests for the coming months brood.
Skylark	Listen out for the song of the Skylark
Coots	Squabbling
Cuckoo	Early Cuckoos may be seen, they are coming to invade another's nest.
Wheatear	who left our shores during the cold winter months have returned and can be found on our headlands.

Plantlife

Everything is starting to wake up, leaves unfurl and flowers blossom and become highlighted in the sunshine.

See Also

For a more in depth look at Wildlife photography in March.

Other species can be found listed in the Wildlife Section or within the topic index under

• Wildlife and Animals

• Nature, Flora and Countryside

• Wildlife & Nature within the reference section