Nature Notes January

Harsh weather conditions throughout the month. Cold days and nights at the beginning of the month, moving into a period of heavy rain and strong winds, closing with dry conditions with a strong north easterly wind. Another quiet month for observations on the Reserve.

SIGHTINGS
Birds: Magpies, Jackdaws, Carrion Crows, Wood Pigeons, Sparrowhawk, Black Headed Gulls, Buzzards, Heron, Jays, Great Spotted/Green Woodpeckers, Chaffinches, Greenfinches, Goldfinches, Bullfinch, Dunnocks, Blackbirds, Robins, Song Thrushes, Redwings, Nuthatches, Treecreeper, Pied Wagtail, Wrens, Goldcrests, Coal/Blue/Great/Long-tailed Tits, Blackcap. A Snipe was seen on the north west of the site. A male Blackcap and a male Bullfinch were both seen along Hazelwood west path.
Plants: Gorse in flower. Hazels showing catkins.
Mammals: Fox, Wood Mice, Grey Squirrels.

No Frogs or Toads seen as yet.
Fresh mole hills are along the Hazelwood woodland, indicating that moles are fairly active in their movements during January.
The repaired and replaced nest boxes were re-installed on the reserve during January. Many boxes are providing safe protective winter roosting at night for the Tit species. Many birds are already presenting bird song to attract mates, with many species having been seen flying in pairs and visiting boxes during the day.

Nature Facts

Squirrels have been fully reproductively active. This has been the main time for mating chases. Frogs are still in hibernation, but awake for short spells if the temperature rises. Bats are still hibernating, using up fat reserves. Foxes start the mating season. Holly and Ivy berries became an important food source for Blackbird and Song Thrush.