Nature Watch December

The year ended with harsh wintry conditions namely heavy snow, frosts and hard icy ground. Wildlife in general has struggled against the elements with every daylight hour taken seeking out food. Many species have taken to feeding in gardens at the perimeter of the site. The feeding stations on site at Kingfisher Creek have been stocked with suitable food during this wintry weather,

SIGHTINGS
Plants: Gorse in flower.
Birds: Robin, Blackbird, Song Thrush, Chaffinch, Goldfinch, Dunnock, Wren, Goldcrest, Coal/Blue/Great/Long Tailed Tits, Sparrowhawk, Buzzard, Magpie, Crows, Wood Pigeons, Jays, Black-Headed Gulls, Heron, Green/Great Spotted Woodpeckers, Siskin, Reed Bunting. Redwing, Fieldfares.
Mammals: Wood Mice, Roe Deer.

No sightings of Stonechat or Dartford Warblers on the open heathland this month.
A pair of Heron have been seen flying along the tree canopy of Hazelwood at times, in addition to the single Heron.
A Reed Bunting has been heard, but not seen, at the end of the boardwalk, western end. This species has been seen in numbers at this location in the past.
Large flocks of both Redwing and Fieldfares, driven down from Scandinavia by the severe weather conditions, have been sighted along the Hazelwood tree line seeking fresh berries to eat.
Those nest boxes requiring maintenance following the survey were removed off site, repaired or replaced, and are awaiting relocation as soon as possible in January, weather permitting. Many Tit species are using the boxes at this time for sheltered overnight roosting.

Nature Facts

Foxes defend their territories as the mating season approaches. Young Grey Squirrels, near full size for those Spring born, may become reproductively active for next season. The Common Frog, although hibernating, would normally wake to feed for short periods during warm spells in December but the cold weather this year may well have stopped this happening.