JMNR 7th March 2016

Blue Tit, Carrion Crow, Chaffinch (singing), Great Tit, Mallard (pair), Pheasant, Wren. Blackthorn beginning to flower, Spring Crocus (or it might be Early Crocus) in C4a, and a few Lesser Celandine and Dandelions. Bluebells leaves are coming up, but not yet showing any signs of flowers.
An unidentified animal swam underwater for most of the length of the Bottom Pond before disappearing unseen into the vegetation. Almost certainly not a fish as it was quite slow, direct and with a sizeable ‘bow wave’, and the pond is not connected to the brook. Hopefully a Water Vole, but possibly a Brown Rat.