I've already seen robins gathering nesting material and singing furiously to establish territories. Let's hope March doesn't put an end to all this early romanticism with a sudden cold snap.

In gardens with plenty of shrubs and climbing plants there may be several species of nesting birds.

Although it is warming up, it is still really important to keep feeding your birds as they have a lot of work ahead, courting, nest building, brooding and finally feeding a nest full of hungry chicks.

Which is why it is also a good idea to be on a special look-out if you are going to be doing any tidying up in the garden after the winter.

Before pruning or trimming, just check that you won't be disturbing any nests.

We may have visitors to our roofs too. Cavity nesters like starlings and house sparrows are red-listed species due to the catastrophic declines in their populations and if you do have to do some work on your roof it must be done outside the breeding period.

You could also think about putting up nestboxes for them. Special 'sparrow terraces' (they like to nest in colonies) are available on lots of bird care websites.

March sees a real changing of the guard and it's in with the new and away with the old for a few months. Those guests that entertained us during winter like bramblings, siskins and starlings will mostly leave our shores and be replaced with a whole host of news species.

I've already heard chiff chaffs in the woods and listen out for the the dunnock, which, for a rather plain bird has a very pleasing warble usually delivered from the top of a low bush or tree.

Its not too late to sign up for the RSPB Homes for Wildlife project which will arm you with all the information and tips you need to make your own wildlife haven. For more information visit www.rspb.org.uk/hfw.
See you next month. Happy Easter!

Kate