Have you spotted any recently? It’s the perfect time of year to see them. They have a wide range of habitats from thick bushy areas to open fields, coastal regions and even dense woodland.

I am, of course, referring to the avid wildlife watcher who’s easily recognisable by the all-weather gear, stout walking boots, and with the tell-tale pair of binoculars ready for action, just in case.

“In case of what?,” I hear you ask. Well, during the winter months it could be fieldfare, redwing, brambling or one of a multitude of winter wading birds. I am, of course, referring to ‘firsts’.

At this time of year, we wildlife watchers are on the lookout for the first swallow, the first housemartin, the first cuckoo or warbler etc.

In May, it will be the first swift or first nightjar. We wildlife types love to be the first to spot the firsts. It’s a sort of unspoken competition, and there’s a kind of friendly one-upmanship from reporting a first ‘first’ - if you get my meaning.

As a member of the ‘Spot the First’ club myself, I must admit there is a certain excitement from spotting a first, be it a swallow, martin or any migrant come to that.

So, along with my fellow ‘Spot the First’ members, come rain or shine, I will be searching and hoping to be the first to say: “I think I’ve just seen my first…” LB Loxley