Work Party Tuesday 3rd January

The plan is to fell a few of the larger willows close to the path/fenceline that we have previously worked on this winter. They are within the grazing unit and are causing significant shading on the open heath.  We will be tidying the area, having a bonfire and undertaking other chores should time permit.

Meet at 10am at the Redwood Drive entrance. Contact Will Holland on 07827 820465 for further information if required. Tools, gloves and refreshment will be provided.

Nature Notes November

A month of fluctuating temperatures and conditions with strong winds, heavy rain and days of sunshine. There was a cold snap in the last week with night temperatures falling to -6 degrees.

SIGHTINGS 
Birds:   Carrion Crows, Hooded Crows, Buzzards, Jackdaws, Tawny Owls, Heron, Jays, Magpies, Common Gulls, Black-headed Gulls, Wood Pigeons, Stock Doves, Green/Great Spotted Woodpeckers, Nuthatches, Treecreeper, Siskins, Stonechat, Jack Snipe, Mistle Thrush, Blackbirds, Robins, Song Thrushes, Pied Wagtails, Chaffinches, Bullfinches, Greenfinches, Goldfinches, Goldcrests, Wrens, Coal/Blue/Great/Long-tailed Tits.
Mammals:   Roe Deer, Fox, Grey Squirrels, Wood Mice, evidence of Mole activity.
Pond Life:   Pond Skaters, Whirlygig Beetles.
Butterflies/Moths:   Brimstone, Large White.
Insects:   Sheet Web Spiders, Funnel Spiders, Garden Spiders.
Plants:   Holly Berries, Ivy Seed heads, Rowan Berries.

The annual survey of nest boxes on site was undertaking which revealed 23 were used, 9 not used, 2 were missing and 1 abandoned.  Now that inclement weather has arrived the boxes are now all ready for Winter night roosting, giving vital shelter to smaller birds.

SITE  MAINTENANCE
The work party removed gorse and scrub  to allow a stretch of the southern fence line to be straightened. The cut vegetation was burnt. Details of the next work party will be posted on www.slopbog.org blog page toward the end of December.

Nature Fact

When excavating its burrow, Moles may move more that 6kg (13lbs) of soil in 20 minutes. Comparing the weight of a Mole, 100g (3 ½ oz.) and that of the average human male, 70kg (154lbs), this is the equivalent to a man moving more that 4 tonnes of earth!

Work Party Tuesday 29th November

Meet at 10am at the Redwood Drive entrance.  We will be continuing with scrub clearance but will also be repairing or removing a short section of fenceline on the dry heath area.

Tools and gloves, drinks and biscuits provided.

Please call Will Holland on 07827 820465 if you need further details.

Nature Notes October

October was a dry month, with only a few spells of dampness, giving heavy mist on several mornings.  The transition between Summer and Autumn began, giving a mellow feeling on site.

SIGHTINGS
Birds:   Carrion Crows, Jackdaws, Magpies, Jays, Black-headed Gulls, Common Gulls, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, Buzzards, Tawny Owls, Wood Pigeons, Green/Great Spotted Woodpeckers, Stonechats, Siskins, Chiffchaffs, Willow Warblers,  Pied Wagtails, Starlings, Jack Snipe, Herons, Blackbirds, Robins, Mistle Thrush, Song Thrush, Wrens, Nuthatches, Tree Creeper, Chaffinches, Bullfinches, Greenfinches, Goldfinches, Coal/Blue/Great/Long-tailed Tits.
Mammals:   Pipistrelle Bats, Foxes, Roe Deer, Grey Squirrels, Mole activity.
Plants in flower:   Water Lily, Low growing Gorse.
Fungi:   Fly agaric, The Blusher, The Deceiver, Bay Bolete, The Sickener, Wood Blewit, Honey Fungus:  Chanterelle, Bracket Fungi.
Pond Life:   Whirlygig Beetles, Pond Skaters.
Butterflies/Moths:   Speckled Wood, Brimstone, species of day flying Moth.
Insects:   Midges, Sheet/Orb Spiders, Flies, Wasps, Hornets.
Reptiles:   Slow Worm.
Dragonfly/Damselfly:   Broad Bodied Chaser, Common Darter.

Migrating birds were still passing through the Reserve. Herons were seen more frequently, flying over or perched in Pine Trees.  Tit species were visiting nest boxes considering roosting rights.
Due to the dry mild conditions, species of Bats, Butterflies, Insects and Dragonflies were prolonging the Summer season and still active.
With the damp and misty conditions on site, trees and shrubs were adorned with the clear views of intricate webs of Spiders, giving a spectacular sight.

SITE  MAINTENANCE
The work party cleared scrub along the southern fence line and burnt the resulting vegetation. The next work party is scheduled for November 29th commencing 10am. Details will posted on our blog page nearer the time.

Nature Fact

What is a Fungus?   -   Animals and plants are ‘cellular’ in their structure, that is to say they are formed by cells, but fungi are composed of thin filaments.  These filaments, called hyphae, are tubular and microscopical generally about 3-10 thousands of one millimeter wide, with the walls made of chatin the same organic substance that forms the protective coverings of insects.

Work Party Tuesday 25th October

Meet at 10am at the Redwood Drive entrance. We will continue with some of the scrub clearance work for access and habitat management. Tools, gloves and refreshments provided. We will be on site until 1pm.

Please phone Will Holland on 07827 820465 if any queries.

Nature Notes September

September began with periods of heavy rain turning to brighter blustery weather mid to late month. Several mornings were damp and misty, giving an Autumnal feel.

SIGHTINGS
Birds:   Carrion Crow, Jackdaws, Magpies, Jays, Black-headed Gulls, Common Gulls, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, Buzzards, Tawny Owls, Wood Pigeons, Stock Doves, Green/Great Spotted Woodpeckers, Stonechats, Siskins, Chiff Chaffs, Willow Warblers, Reed Bunting, Jack Snipe, Pheasant, Blackbirds, Robins, Wrens, Goldcrest, Song Thrushes, Nuthatches, Tree Creeper, Chaffinches, Bullfinches, Greenfinches, Goldfinches, Coal-Blue-Great/Long-tailed Tits.
Mammals:   Pipistrelle Bats, Fox, Roe Deer, Grey Squirrels, Mole activity.
Plants in flower:   Ling,  Water Lily.
Pond Life:   Whirlygig Beetles, Pond Skaters.
Butterflies/Moths:   Large/Small Whites, Speckled Wood, Red Admiral, Painted Lady, Comma, species of day flying moths.
Insects:   Midges,  Sheet/Orb Spiders. Grasshoppers.
Reptiles:   Slow Worms. Common Lizard.
Dragonfly/Damselfly:   Broad Bodied, Common Darter, Emperor.

In the latter part of the month, migrant birds such as Willow Warblers and Chiff Chaffs were seen feeding, several together, preparing for their departure.
Pipistrelle Bats were recorded late into the month, on warm dry evenings.
A Jack Snipe was observed in flight and adjacent to the boardwalk.  These birds usually breed elsewhere but do visit the site throughout the Winter months, although difficult to locate and observe, unless disturbed.
Several species of birds seen catching food for the oncoming Winter, including Jays and Nuthatches.
Many finches were late in producing young this Summer.  Noticeable were the young Goldfinches who at present lack their red and black masked faces which will develop during the Winter months.

SITE  MAINTENANCE
The work party laid chicken wire on the replaced boardwalk planks as well as clearing scrub along fence lines, ditches and paths. The next work party is scheduled for October 25th commencing 10am. Details will posted on this blog page nearer the time.

Nature Fact

ALERT
Two bird diseases have been observed in the area of Slop Bog.  Trichomonosis is a disease which affects mostly finch species, especially Greenfinch.  The infected birds show extreme runny moisture at the eyes and beak, with beak open, showing great difficulty in swallowing.  This prevents the bird from feeding and subsequently it dies.   Knemidocoptes is caused by mites burrowing into the legs of birds, creating raised scales and growths on the legs.  This has been seen on Chaffinches and Wood Pigeons on site.
ADVICE
If you have seen an infected bird on your feeder, please remove feeder and soak in a solution of 95% water/5 percent bleach for a period of time, to help prevent other birds contacting these diseases.  To report any infected birds, contact  web.support@bto.org  or write to  B.T.O., The Nunnery, Thetford, Norfolk, IP24 2PU

Work Party Tuesday 27th September 10am-1pm

Likely tasks are…

Laying chicken wire on the boardwalk (repaired section)

Scrub clearance along fencelines, ditches, paths.

Gate fittings to be modified.

Please meet at the heathland information panel.  Phone Will Holland on 07827 820465 if any queries. Refreshments will be provided.

Nature Notes August

Several weeks of warm bright weather but little rain. Strong winds at times.

SIGHTINGS
Birds:   Carrion Crows, Jackdaws, Magpies, Jays, Black-headed
Gulls, Common Gulls, Sparrowhawk, Tawny Owl, Kestrel, Buzzards, Wood Pigeons, Stock Doves, Collared Doves,  Heron, Grey Wagtail, Green/Great Spotted Woodpeckers, Stonechats, Tree Pipits, Siskins, Blackbirds, Robins, Wrens, Goldcrest, Song Thrushes, Nuthatches, Tree Creeper, Chaffinches, Bullfinches, Greenfinches, Goldfinches, Coal/Blue/Great/Long-tailed Tits.
Mammals:   Pipistrelle Bats, Fox, Roe Deer, Grey Squirrels, Mole activity.
Plants in flower:  Cranesbill, Cotton Grass, Bell Heather, Crossleaved Heath, Ling. Water Lily.
Pond Life:   Pond Skaters, Whirlygig Beetles, Common Water
Boatman, Common Back swimmers.
Butterflies/Moths:   Large/Small Whites, Holly Blue, Orange Tip, Brimstone, Speckled Wood, Silver-studded Blues, Grayling, Meadow Brown, Red Admiral,  Gatekeeper, Peacock, Species of day flying Moths.
Insects:   Midges, Buff-tailed Bees, Hornets, Wasps, Flies, Ants, Ladybirds, Sheet Web/Orb Spiders, Raft Spider, Grasshopper.
Reptiles:   Common Lizards, Slow Worm, Grass Snake.
Dragonfly/Damselfly:   Broad Bodied, Four Spot Chaser, Small Red, Common Damselfly, Emperor, Common Darter, Keeled Skimmer.

A good number and variety of Dragonfly and Damselfly seen on site during August.
A few Silver-studded Blue Butterflies at the beginning of the month on the central heathland.
An unconfirmed sighting of a pair of Ringed Parakeets (no image obtained) which were very vocal.
Calls from the Nightjar ceased by mid-August.

SITE  MAINTENANCE
Rotten hand rails were replaced on the boardwalk. Invasive vegetation was cut back from the boardwalk and pathways. Pine saplings removed.

Nature Fact

The Keeled Skimmer Dragonfly is found mainly on bogs and marshes.  Only mature males are blue, young male resembles female. Male commonly rests on the ground.

Work Party Tuesday 30th August

Meet at the Ringwood Drive entrance at 10am. Tools and refreshments will be provided. All are welcome, do as much or as little as you wish.

Nature Notes July

A warm, dry month with rainfall below the July average.  There were strong winds at times.

SIGHTINGS
Birds:   Carrion Crow, Jackdaws, Magpies, Jays, Tawny Owls, Black-headed Gulls, Common Gulls, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, Buzzards, Wood Pigeons, Stock Doves, Collared Doves, Grey Heron, Swifts, Green/Great Spotted Woodpeckers, Tree Pipits, Stonechats, Nightjar, Siskins, Blackcaps, Chiffchaffs, Willow Warblers, Blackbirds, Robins, Wrens, Goldcrest, Song Thrushes, Nuthatches, Tree Creepers, Chaffinches, Bullfinches, Greenfinches, Goldfinches, Coal/Blue/Great/Long-tailed Tits.
Mammals:   Pipistrelle Bats, Fox, Roe Deer, Grey Squirrels, Mole activity.
Plants in flower:   Cranesbill, Catkins, Cotton Grass, Blackberry, Garlic Mustard, Herb Robert, Bell Heather, Cross-leaved Heath, Water Lily, Bog Asphodel, Dandelion, Common Vetch, Creeping Cinquefoil, Ivy-leaved Speedwell, Rowan berries showing colour.
Pond Life:   Pond Skaters, Whirlygig Beetles.
Butterflies/Moths:   Large/Small/Green-veined Whites, Holly Blues, Orange Tip, Peacock, Red Admiral, Speckled Wood, Silver-studded Blue, Grayling, Brimstone, Comma, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Large Skipper.
Insects/spiders:   Midges, Buff-tailed Bees, Raft Spiders, Flies, Grasshoppers, Crickets, Wasps, Hornets, Ants, Wasp Spider, Sheet Web Spider.
Reptiles/Amphibians:  Common Lizards, Slow Worms, Grass Snake, Adder. Common Frog.
Dragonfly/Damselfly:   Broad Bodied, Four Spot Chaser, Small Red, Common Damselfly, Beautiful Demoiselle, Southern Hawker.

The Owlets, which have been monitored, have not been reported as seen during July although calls and screeching has been heard at several locations away from the nursery site.
A group of Swifts were spotted flying over the site, at a high level.
Young birds were evident, reaching independence.

Nature Fact

The male Beautiful Demoiselle dragonfly has a metallic blue thorax and abdomen and purple-brown wings; the female has a green thorax and brownish wings. They capture insects with their legs while in flight or snatch them off vegetation. So specialized have their legs become that they can only perch on or cling to vegetation; they are unable to walk on a horizontal surface. An additional handicap in walking is the length of the body extending behind the legs.

Annual General Meeting

The Annual General Meeting will be held at Avon Heath Country Park on Tuesday 27th July commencing 7.30pm. Visitors welcome.

Nature Notes June

Most of June was dominated by heavy rain, wind and thick cloud with only a few short periods of sunshine generating mild temperatures.

SIGHTINGS
Birds:  Carrion Crows, Jackdaws, Magpies, Jays, Tawny Owls, Black-headed Gulls, Common Gulls, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, Buzzards, Wood Pigeons, Stock Doves, Collared Doves, Green/Great spotted Woodpeckers, Tree Pipits, Stonechats, Nightjar, Siskins, Blackcaps, Chiffchaffs, Willow Warblers, Blackbirds, Robins, Wrens, Goldcrest, Song Thrushes, Nuthatches, Tree Creepers, Chaffinches, Bullfinches, Greenfinches, Goldfinches, Coal/Blue/Great/Long-tailed Tits.
Mammals:   Pipistrelle Bats, Wood Mice, Fox, Roe Deer, Mole activity.
Plants in flower:   Cranesbill, Catkins, Cotton Grass, Holly, Blackberry, Garlic Mustard, Herb Robert, Bell Heather, Cross leaved Heath, Water Lily, Foxgloves, Bog Asphodel, Yellow Flag Iris, Yellow Broom.
Fungi:   Birch Polypore.
Pond Life:   Pond Skaters, Whirlygig Beetles.
Butterflies/Moths:   Silver-studded Blue, Meadow Brown, Large Skipper, Large/Small Whites, Holly Blues, Orange Tips, Peacock, Red Admiral, Species of day flying Moths.
Insects:   Midges, Buff-tailed Bees, Raft Spider, Flies, Wasps Ants.
Reptiles:   Common Lizards, Slow Worms.
Dragonfly/Damselfly:   Broad Bodied, Four Spot Chaser, Small Red, Common Damselfly, Beautiful Demoiselle.

Monitoring of the two Tawny owlets continued throughout the month, observing the progress and development in their behaviour and appearance.  Towards the end of June the family dispersed and are now more difficult to locate having left the nursery site for independence and new territories.
A Jay was observed predating a Common Lizard on the boardwalk.
Bog Myrtle scent was very apparent on dry warmer days.
A Nightjar was heard and seen on the central heath.

SITE  MAINTENANCE
A picnic table was constructed in the glade bordering the western edge of the central heathland. Invasive vegetation was cut back from the permissive pathways.

Nature Fact

The Raft Spider may be seen resting on leaves of pond weed.  The front legs rest on the surface of the water to feel the vibrations of struggling insects on which they prey.

June Work Party

The next work party is scheduled for Tuesday the 21st June. Meet at the Redwood Drive entrance at 10am. Tools and refreshments will be provided.

Nature Notes May

Mixed weather conditions throughout May ending with warm sunny days.  The Reserve offered sightings of several migratory birds.

SIGHTINGS
Birds:   Carrion Crow, Jackdaws, Magpies, Jays, Tawny Owls, Black-headed Gulls, Common Gulls, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, Buzzards, Cuckoo, Wood Pigeons, Stock Doves, Collared Doves, Green/Great Spotted Woodpeckers, Tree Pipits, Stonechats, Reed Bunting, Siskins, Blackcaps, Willow Warblers, Chiffchaffs, Blackbirds, Robins, Wrens, Goldcrest, Song Thrushes, Nuthatches, Tree Creepers, Chaffinches, Bullfinches, Greenfinches, Goldfinches, Coal/Blue/Great/Long-tailed Tits, Male Mallard Duck.
Mammals:   Roe Deer, Pipistrelle Bats, Wood Mice, Fox, Mole activity.
Plants in flower:   Cranesbill, Catkins, Cotton Grass, Garlic Mustard, Herb Robert, Rhododendron, Rowan.
Fungi:   Birch Polypore.
Pond Life:   Pond Skaters, Whirlygig Beetles, Stickebacks.
Butterflies/Moths:   Large/Small Whites, Brimstone, Holly Blues, Orange Tips, Peacock, Red Admiral, Painted Lady, species of day flying Moths.
Insects:   Buff-tailed Bees, Hover Flies, Midges, Black Ants.
Dragonfly/Damselfly:   Four Spot Chaser, Small Red, Common Blue Damselfly, Beautiful Demoiselle.
Reptiles:   Common Lizards, Grass Snake.

Tawny Owls have reared two Owlets this year, using one of the Owl nesting boxes installed by S.B.G.  Another box has four eggs,but no adult Owl has been observed incubating.  This is the first time the boxes have been used.
A Cuckoo was heard calling from the north end of the site, early in the month.
Tree Pipits have returned and have been seen on the Pine trees on the central heathland.
Many young birds were observed on site late in the month, having fledged.  The Blue Tits nesting in a box, mentioned in the April report, only achieved to rear two young out of the initial five.  This could have been an indication of low insect numbers at the time of rearing.

Site Management

The walk way site access from Cedar Way has been completed. Encroaching vegetation was cleared from the boardwalk by the work party volunteers and rotten planks replaced.
It was hoped the cattle would have returned to the Reserve by now but we understand negotiations continue with the preferred grazier.

Nature Fact

Tawny Owls nest in hollows of trees but take readily to nest boxes.  The clutch varies from two to five round white eggs depending on calculation of food supply.  They do not breed if there is a shortage of food.  It takes a month from the start of incubation for the young to hatch, several days apart.  At first their eyes are bright blue and turn brown when 16 – 20 days old.  The Owlets fledge at five weeks old, then roost in low dense foliage of trees or bushes.  The Owlets stay in their parents’ territory for 10 – 12 weeks, dependent on their parents for food, before being forced out to find their own territories.

Work Party Tuesday 31st May 10am-1pm

Meet at the Redwood Drive entrance. 

We will continue to lay path gravel at the Cedar Way entrance to improve this access point.  There are also some rotten boards on the boardwalk to replace.

Tools and gloves will be provided along with half time refreshments.  Please contact Will Holland on 07827 820465 if you have any queries.

Nature Notes April

 
A month of mixed weather; wind, heavy rain, sunshine, sleet and hail.  Despite these conditions, activity and movement was apparent on site.

SIGHTINGS
Birds:   Carrion Crow, Jackdaws, Jays, Magpies, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, Buzzards, Green/Great Spotted Woodpeckers, Wood Pigeons, Collared Doves, Common Gulls, Black-headed Gulls, Stonechats, Siskins, Blackcaps, Chiffchaffs, Willow Warblers, Blackbirds, Song Thrushes, Robins, Wrens, Goldcrest, Chaffinches, Greenfinches, Bullfinches, Goldfinches, Coal/Blue/Great Tits, Nuthatches, Treecreepers, Swallows, Sand Martins.
Mammals:   Wood Mice, Grey Squirrels, Roe Deer, Fox, Mole activity, Pipistrelle Bats.
Plants in flower:   Common Gorse, Flowering Currant, Catkins, Amelanchier, Bird Cherry.
Fungi:   Birch Polypore.
Pond Life:   Pond Skaters, Whirlygig Beetles, Stickleback fish, Frog
Butterflies:   Large White, Brimstone, Red Admiral. Small White, Orange Tip.
Insects:   Buff Tailed Bees, Hover Flies, Midges.
Reptiles:   Common Lizards.

Many bird species have pressed on with nesting, egg laying and incubation despite changeable weather and air temperatures.  Observations indicate the quantity of eggs being produced in a clutch of Blue Tit eggs were halved from the usual 10 to just 5.
A Sparrowhawk has been observed constructing a nest in a tree on the northern side of Kingfisher Creek.
Both Swallows and Sand Martins have been sighted in flight over the site on several occasions.
A Treecreeper has chosen the crete nesting box along Kingfisher Creek to rear young.
Several Common Lizards have been seen on the boardwalk on warmer days, but no reported sightings of Adders or Grass snakes.
Pipistrelle Bats airborne in warm dry evenings.

Nature Fact

Treecreepers nest in slender cavities in tree trunks or behind a flap of peeling bark on a dead or dying tree.  The cavity usually has two entrances, or rather, one of them acts as the emergency exit!  They scurry upwards on trees, searching for insects and invertebrate animals using their finely pointed down-curved beak.  Their eyes are large and protected by unusually prominent eyebrows for a small, slow-flying bird.

Work Party Tuesday 26th April 10am - 1pm

Meet at the Cedar Way entrance.  We will be improving the access here as there is a low area of ground that floods.  We will be using a combination of path gravel and sleepers to raise the path making it easier for people to enter the Reserve. The wearing of wellington boots is recommended.

Refreshments, tools and gloves provided.  Contact Will Holland on 07827 820465 if you need further information.

Work Party Tuesday 5th April

We will again be concentrating on fence repairs. Meet at the Redwood Drive entrance at 10am, refreshments will be provided. Wearing of wellies advised.

Nature Notes March

March had a mixture of weather with heavy spells of rain, a warm dry week, strong winds and a storm.

SIGHTINGS
Birds:   Carrion Crows, Jackdaws, Jays, Magpies, Grey Heron,  Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, Buzzards, Tawny Owls, Green/Great Spotted Woodpeckers, Wood Pigeons, Common Gulls, Black-headed Gulls, Siskins, Stonechats, Blackbirds, Robins, Song Thrushes, Mistle Thrush, Wrens, Goldcrest, Female Blackcap, Chaffinches, Goldfinches, Greenfinches, Bullfinches, Coal/Blue/Great/Long-tailed Tits, Nuthatches, Treecreepers.
Mammals:   Grey Squirrels, Fox, Roe Deer, Noctule Bats.
Plants in flower:   Gorse, Flowering Currant.
Fungi:   Birch Polypore.
Pond Life:   Pond Skaters.
Butterflies:   Comma, Brimstone, Red Admiral.
Insects:   Buff Tailed Bee, Hover Flies, Midges.

Despite periods of inhospitable weather, March appeared to be the start of an early Spring.  Several species of insects and butterflies were seen on warmer dry days.
A Grey Heron was seen on several occasions flying along the Hazelwood tree canopy, sometimes perching on a Pine tree.
The female Blackcap was seen numerous times along Hazelwood path, as were the Bullfinches.
A surprise sighting of two Noctule Bats early afternoon, in flight, over the southern area of the site. One of the largest bats, reaching eight centimetres, it is sometimes mistaken for a Swift as it hawks for insects at treetop height.
Bird song filled the air during the month, with many species selecting nesting sites and making an early start gathering nesting material.  Many of the nest boxes on site are now occupied.
The nest box survey was completed in early March, when the weather conditions were  more favourable.  16 nests were found , 6 were not used and 12 new boxes were installed due to damage or found to be missing.  A new Owl box was constructed and installed to replace a box which was destroyed when the tree on which it was located  fell down several years ago.

Nature Fact

The Grey Heron is the top bird predator of the freshwater food pyramid. It forages for a mixed diet of fish, eels, frogs, small mammals and sometimes large insects, such as grasshoppers and emerging dragonflies. Nesting takes place in large colonies in treetops.

Work Party Tuesday 15th March

Meet at the Redwood Drive entrance at 10am. We will be undertaking fence repairs. The wearing of Wellington boots is recommended as underfoot conditions are likely to be wet. Tools and refreshments will be provided

Nature Notes February

The weather remained wet on the whole, giving way to a drier spell in the last week.

SIGHTINGS
Birds:   Carrion Crows, Jackdaws, Jays, Magpies, Sparrowhawk, Buzzards, Tawny Owl, Green/Great Spotted Woodpeckers, Wood Pigeons, Stock Dove, Collared Doves, Siskins, Blackbirds, Robins, Song Thrushes, Wrens, Goldcrest, Female Blackcap, Chaffinches, Goldfinches, Greenfinches, Bullfinches, Coal/Blue/Great/Long-tailed Tits, Nuthatches, Treecreeper, Grey Wagtail.
Mammals:   Grey Squirrels, Fox, Roe Deer.
Plants in flower:   Gorse.
Insects: Several species of Bees.
Fungi:   Birch Polypore,

A female Blackcap was sighted along the Hazelwood West footpath, having remained during the Winter period instead of migrating.
Signs of Roe Deer on site, with tracks in soft mud.

Nature Fact

Roe Deer have cloven hooves that leave tracks (slots) in muddy places and on favourite paths.  Well-trodden tracks may sometimes be seen around a single tree or bush.  These are known as ‘Roe rings’ and may be related to courtship behaviour.  If disturbed, Roe make off in a series of terrific bounds and up to 16 metres may be covered in a single spring.

February Work Party

The February work party has been rescheduled to Tuesday March 15th. Details will be published here nearer the time.

Nature Notes January 2016

The weather continued to be wet and windy throughout the month, with only a few tolerable days and several frosty nights.

SIGHTINGS
Birds:   Carrion Crows, Jackdaws, Jays, Magpies, Buzzards, Tawny Owl, Green/Great Spotted Woodpeckers, Wood Pigeons, Siskins, Blackbirds, Robins, Song Thrushes, Wrens, Goldcrest, Chaffinches, Goldfinches, Greenfinches, Bullfinches, Coal/Blue/Great/Long-tailed Tits, Nuthatches, Treecreeper.
Mammals:   Grey Squirrels, Fox.
Plants in Flower:   Gorse.
Insects:   Several species of Bees.
Fungi:   Birch Polypore.

A quiet month on the Reserve with not a great deal of movement.
Tawny Owls continued to call.
Many birds, in particular the Tit species, were seen in pairs.

Nature Fact

The Jay belongs to the Crow family. In Spring you may find gatherings of Jays known as ‘marriages’. These are probably courting birds trying to find a mate. On some occasions up to 30 Jays are present displaying and calling in great excitement. They are shy and restless birds and you may find it hard to get a good view. Most often you see them flying away when the large, white patch above the black tail is noticeable.

Nature Notes December

                                               

December was unusually mild with strong winds and heavy rain for  the majority of the month.

SIGHTINGS
Birds:   Carrion Crows, Jackdaws, Jays, Magpies, Buzzard, Sparrowhawk, Tawny Owls, Green/Great Spotted Woodpeckers, Wood Pigeons, Collared Dove, Black-headed Gulls, Stonechat, Siskins, Redwings, Blackbirds, Robins, Song Thrushes, Wrens, Goldcrest, Chaffinches, Goldfinches, Greenfinches, Bullfinches, Coal/Blue/Great/Long-tailed Tits, Nuthatches.
Mammals:   Grey Squirrels, Indication of Mole movement, Wood Mouse.
Butterflies/Moths:   Red Admiral.
Plants in flower:   Gorse.
Insects:   Several species of Bees.
Fungi:   Birch Polypore, Sickener.
Pond Life:   Whirlygig Beetles.

Tawny Owls heard on most nights.
A flock of Redwing at various locations on site, stripping Holly bushes of their berries.
Many bird species seen defending their territories.
The clearance of bird boxes of last years contents has been delayed, due to the hazardous weather and ground conditions on site.

WORK  PARTY
The December work party continued the coppicing of gorse and clearing overgrown vegetation from the fenceline bordering the dry heath area north of the Redwood Drive entrance. Accumulated cuttings were burnt. The next work party is scheduled for Tuesday 26th January, details will be published on this blog page shortly before this date.

Nature Fact

Redwings are Winter visitors,  fractionally smaller in size to the Song Thrush.  The ‘seep’ sound is the commonest flight call of the Redwing.  Distinctive markings are the pale eye-stripe above and below the eyes, with red flanks.  Redwings breed in Iceland in the Summer months and are visitors in Scotland during the winter, spreading southwards if the weather conditions deteriorate.