are early nesters as are blackbirds and song thrushes and all too often many come to grief from cold weather or being predated by cats, rats or magpies.

There's much activity in rookeries in February as new nests are built and those that have survived winter gales are repaired. Also there's much noisy courtship. At Abberton reservoir cormorants engaged are also engaged in nest seasonal activity among the waterside willows.It's interesting that this remarkable colony has had a big decline in the

But on bright days when the wind shifts to a warming south or south westerly some insects are lured from hibernating hideaways. Bees can be seen on early blooms and they are joined by some peacock and red admiral butterflies. I recall that on February 3, 2007 when the temperature reached an unseasonal 150C, I counted 9 red admirals in the arboretum at Marks Hall Estate, Coggeshall, nectaring on flowering shrubs such as Vibernum tinens.

There's an increasing dawn chorus of birdsong, even when the frost silvers gardens and countryside. Champion early songster is the male mistle thrush earning his country name of 'storm cock' from the fact that he utters his strong challenging notes from tops of trees when gale force winds are blowing. Mistle thrushes

One of the most interesting changes in the bird population of North Essex in recent years is the increase in the number of breeding pairs of buzzards. There are several pairs in North Essex and of course there can be as many as 600 sightings in a year in Essex although this does include migrants. This is a remarkable development as only a few years ago you would have had to travel to the West Country or Wales to be sure of seeing buzzards.

Corn buntings are increasingly scarce as an Essex breeding species and have now been put on the Red List. In winter flocks are seen and one regular site is the old Wormingford Airfield where they are often joined by yellowhammers and reed buntings.

number of occupied nests from a peak of 500 in 2003 to fewer than 200 in 2011. Some of the traditional nest trees have been degraded or destroyed by guano and also the availability of fish, on which the young are fed, is a significant factor. Parents are having to fly further, often to nearby sea areas, in order to satisfy the needs of growing young.

One attractive wading bird which can be seen in winter, though it breeds in Northern Europe and Asia is the green sandpiper. Look for it at reservoirs, lakes, dykes and gravel pits. When it flies it has a conspicuous white rump.

The scarcity of lesser spotted woodpeckers is worrying although this tiny bird is obviously overlooked. In the past there have been sightings in the Roman River Valley south of Colchester at Friday Wood where visits have been made in winter to garden feeders. occasional sightings too at Great Horkesley, West Bergholt and Copford.

Some moths are flying in February including spring usher; early moth and pale brindled beauty. Essex Moth Group's annual meeting and exhibition is at Venture Centre 2000, Bromley Road, Lawford on Saturday, February 18 - 10.30am - 5pm. There is a full programme of talks, exhibits, lunch and refreshments all for just £7 (pay on admission). All are welcome.