Nature Notes September

The weather during September was dominated by heavy rainfall and wind, with a few dry sunny days. The first signs of Autumn were showing. 

SIGHTINGS
Birds:   Carrion Crows, Jackdaws, Magpies, Jays, Buzzards, Black-headed Gulls, Commmon Gulls, Grey Heron, Tawny Owls, Green/Great Spotted Woodpeckers, Wood Pigeons, Stock Doves, Collared Doves, Willow Warblers, Chiff Chaffs, Blackcaps, Tree Creeper, Nuthatches, Wrens, Robins, Blackbird, Song Thrushes, Dunnocks, Stonechats, Greenfinches, Chaffinches, Goldfinches, Bullfinches, Coal/Blue/Great/Long-tailed Tits.
Mammals:  Fox, Pipistrelle Bats, Grey Squirrels, Roe Deer.
Butterflies,/Moths:   Species of day flying Moths, Large White, Speckled Wood,. Peacock, Red Admiral, Comma.
Pond Life:   Pond Skaters, Whirlygig Beetles.
Insects:   Species of Bees and Wasps, Common Grasshopper, Garden Spider, Wasp Spider, Midges, Craneflies.
Dragonfly/Damselfly:   Emperor, Small Red. Four Spot Chaser.
Reptiles:   Slow Worm, Adder.
Plants in flower:   Blackberry flowers and berries, Large White Water Lily, Rowan Tree Berries, Ivy seed heads, Ling Heather, Honeysuckle, Cranesbill, Tormentil.
Fungi:   Fly Agaric, The Blusher, Birch Polypore, Common Puff Balls.

A number of Blackcaps, Willow Warblers, Chiff Chaffs observed feeding and should depart by the end of September.
Spagnum Moss is in healthy growth due to the rainfall  throughout the month.
Pipistrelle Bats have been recorded throughout the month on the dry evenings.
A good number of Fungi species formed throughout the month.
An Adder was spotted swimming across Kingfisher Creek.
The change to the bird song has been noted and sometimes aggressive behaviour, due to establishing individual Winter feeding territories.

Nature Notes August

The weather during August was dominated by heavy showers of rain with strong winds on occasions. Towards the end of the month, drier conditions and mild days were experienced.  

SIGHTINGS
Birds:  Carrion Crows, Jackdaws, Magpies, Jays, Buzzards, Black-headed Gulls, Common Gulls, Tawny Owls, Green/Great Spotted Woodpeckers, Wood Pigeons, Stock Doves, Collared Doves, Willow Warblers, Chiff Chaffs, Blackcap, Tree Creeper, Nuthatches, Goldcrest, Wrens, Robins, Blackbirds, Song Thrushes, Mistle Thrush, Dunnocks, Stonechats, Siskins, Kestrel. Greenfinches, Chaffinches, Goldfinches, Bullfinches, Coal/Blue/Great/Long-tailed Tits.
Mammals:  Fox, Pipistrelle Bats, Grey Squirrels, Wood Mice, Roe Deer.
Butterflies/Moths:   Species of day flying Moths, Large/Small/Green Veined White, Speckled Wood, Small Heath, Silver-studded Blue, Brimstone, Gatekeeper, Meadow Brown, Common Blue.
Pond Life:  Pond Skaters, Back Swimmers, Whirlygig Beetles, Stickleback fish, Frog.
Insects:   Species of Bees and Wasps, Hoverflies, Common Green Grasshopper, Raft Spider, Sheet Web Spiders, Orb Spiders, Funnel Spiders.
Dragonfly/Damselfly:  Broad Bodied Chaser, Emperor, Small Red, Common Blue.
Reptiles:   Common Lizard, Female Grass Snake, Slow Worm, Female Adder.
Plants in flower:  Bell Heather, Cross-leaved Heath, Rowan Tree Berries, Holly Berries, Ivy seed heads, Large White Pond Lily, Blackberry fruits, Common Vetch, Cranesbill.

The Rowan berries are providing meals for a number of birds at present, particularly Blackbirds and Bullfinches.
Tawny Owls have continued to be very vocal along the Hazelwood fence line.
A number of Hedgehogs have been sighted in the late evening in gardens adjoining the Reserve.
Many migrant bird species are in the process of preparing to leave, building up their fat reserves for the long journey ahead of them. One of the first to leave is the Nightjar, who has not been heard calling during the past month.
With the wet and mild weather, Fungi is now forming.

SITE  MANAGEMENT
The fenceline forming the southern perimeter of the enclosure was reinforced with barbed wire. The path along this fence is being widened to allow vehicular access from the Redwood Road entrance as far as the boardwalk. The next work party is scheduled for 5th September and another may be held on the 26th - see this blog page for details nearer the time.

Nature Notes June

June was a month of extreme weather with heavy rain and strong winds in the first few weeks followed by sunny, dry days and soaring temperatures.

SIGHTINGS 
Birds:   Carrion Crows, Magpies, Jays, Buzzards, Wood Pigeons, Stock Doves, Collared Doves, Green/Great Spotted Woodpeckers, Common Gulls, Black-headed Gulls, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, Siskins, Stonechats, Nightjar, Tawny Owls, Robins, Blackbirds, Song Thrushes, Wrens, Goldcrests, Chaffinches, Bullfinches, Greenfinches, Dunnocks, Chiffchaffs, Blackcaps, Treecreepers, Nuthatches, Coal/Blue/Great/Long-tailed Tits.
Plants in flower:   Blackberries, Rowan, White Water Lily, Herb Robert, Cross-leaved Heath, Common Cotton Grass, Bog Asphodel, Heath Bedstraw, Garlic Mustard, Hypericum.
Mammals:   Roe Deer, Common Fox, Pipistrelle Bats, Grey Squirrels, Wood Mice, Mole activity.
Butterflies/Moths:   Speckled Wood, Brimstone, Holly Blue, Red Admiral, Peacock, Large White, Silver-studded Blue, Meadow Brown, Large Skipper, Ringlet, Species of day flying Moths.
Insects:   Species of Bees, Hover Flies, Wasps, Midges, Ants.
Dragonfly/Damselfly:   Small Red, Common Blue, Broad Bodied, Four Spot Chaser.
Pond Life:   Pond Skaters,  Whirlygig Beetles, Sticklebacks.
Reptiles:   Common Lizards, Grass Snake.
With the extreme conditions during June, the wildlife life struggled. Bird species parents were greatly tested in their ability to find food for their young during the wet period and then suffered with the extreme temperatures that followed.
A Nightjar was heard in the evening of the 1st June and every night after until the bad weather set in.
No Tree Pipits have to our knowledge been heard or seen this year.

SITE  MANAGEMENT
Repairs to the fencing were completed by replacing rotten posts along the western perimeter which will allow the cattle to return in early July. The date of the July work party is uncertain but details will be posted on this blog page when known.

Nature Notes May

It was dry, warm and sunny by day for the majority of May but turned wet and stormy toward the end of the month.

SIGHTINGS
Birds:   Carrion Crows, Jackdaws, Magpies, Buzzards, Common Gulls, Black-headed Gulls, Heron, Tawny Owls, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, Green/Great Spotted Woodpeckers, Wood Pigeons, Stock Doves, Collared Doves, Pheasant, Stonechats, Siskins, Chiffchaffs, Blackcaps, Willow Warblers, Grey Wagtails, Goldcrests, Nuthatches, Treecreepers, Song Thrushes, Blackbirds, Robins, Wrens, Dunnocks, Coal/Blue/Great/Long-tailed Tits, Chaffinches, Bullfinches, Greenfinches.
Plants in flower:   Gorse, Flowering Currant, Primrose, Foxglove, Cut-leaved Geranium, Cotton Grass, Bog Asphodel.
Fungi:   Mitula Paludosa (Bog Beacon).
Mammals:   Grey Squirrels, Fox, Roe Deer, Pipistrelle Bats.
Butterflies/Moths:   Holly Blue, Orange Tip. Speckled Wood, Brimstone, Large White, Red Admiral, Peacock, Species of day flying Moths.
Insects:   Buff-tailed Bees, Bumble Bees, Wasps, Midges, Flies, Hover Flies, Ants, Leaf Cutters, Miner Bees.
Pond Life:   Pond Skaters, Common Newts, Whirlygig Beetles, Backswimmers.
Reptiles:   Common Lizards, Slow Worms.

Many young birds fledged during May, with Blue Tits, Great Tits  Long-tailed Tits, Blackbirds, Robins, Great Spotted Woodpeckers, Treecreepers, Nuthatches, Bullfinches all being seen.  Monitoring of nests has shown that the breeding rate has been very low this year, with only one or two young being successfully raised.  Siskins have been the species noted for producing a good brood, having been seen in family groups.
Pipistrelle Bats were recorded on most warm dry evenings.

SITE  MANAGEMENT
New rails were fitted to the fence posts along the southern edge of the dry heathland which completes this project.  Work was carried out to improve the path surface bordering this area.  The next work party is scheduled for Tuesday 27 June at 10am.  Details will be posted on this blog page nearer the time.

Nature Notes February

The majority of the month was wet and windy which kept most of the wildlife on the Reserve under shelter.

SIGHTINGS
Birds:   Magpies, Carrion Crows, Jays, Tawny Owls, Common Gulls, Great Spotted/Green Woodpeckers, Nuthatches, Tree creeper, Siskins, Chaffinches, Bullfinches, Greenfinches, Wrens, Goldcrests, Song Thrushes, Robins, Blackbirds, Blue/Great/Long-tailed Tits.
Plants in flower:   Common Gorse.
Fungi:   Birch Polypore.
Mammals:   Grey Squirrels, Fox, Mole activity.
Insects:   Midges, Bumble Bees.

Both Blackbirds and Robins were observed collecting nesting materials.
The calls of Tawny Owls heard early in the month.
Re-installation of removed nesting boxes for repair was completed early in February.  A quantity of new boxes were installed.

SITE  MANAGEMENT
The clearing of invasive vegetation along Kingfisher Creek continued.  The next work party is scheduled for Tuesday 28th March at 10am.  Details will be posted on this blog page nearer the time.

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 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 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 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 Notes

November was memorable for the mild, wet and windy weather. Due to these weather conditions there was little wildlife to observe.

SIGHTINGS
Birds:   Carrion Crows, Magpies, Black-headed Gulls, Tawny Owls, Sparrowhawk, Wood Pigeons, Buzzards, Siskins, Nuthatches, Song Thrushes, Blackbirds, Robins, Wrens, Dunnocks, Bullfinches, Chaffinches, Goldfinches, Greenfinches, Coal/Blue/Great/Long-tailed Tits.
Mammals:   Grey Squirrels.
Butterflies/Moths:   Red Admiral, Brimstone.
Insects:   Sheet/Nursery Spiders, Web/Funnel Spiders.
Fungi:   Birch  Polypore, Sickener.

The Tawny Owls continued to be very vocal from dusk through to morning light.

WORK  PARTY

The October work party coppiced gorse and cleared pine saplings on the dry heath area north of the Redwood Drive entrance.  The next work party is scheduled for the 29th December. Details will be published on our blog page shortly before the due date.