They're back!!! First Pied Flycatcher of the year reported.

The first Pied Flycatcher of the year was reported on the Sheffield Bird Study Group's website today, a single singing male.

Female bird from 2008

I'd love to have been the person to have had this sighting, but unfortunately it wasn't to be! Not to worry though because at least we know they're back safely from Africa for what will hopefully be another successful breeding season.

 Since 2006 when we put the boxes up we've had 2 successful breeding attempts and last year we had one pair in one of our boxes that managed to raise 8 young! Another 28 boxes were put up in January, so fingers crossed for a couple of pairs this year.

Also reported on the website today were a pair of Willow Tit nest building ( the first record for this year as well!) and 7+ Blackcaps singing. Spring really has arrived. Roll on the weekend and the group's WeBS walk!!