Nature Notes

The weather took a turn for the worse during this month, delivering strong winds and heavy rainfall with cool temperatures. There was twice as much rain as usual.
SIGHTINGS
Birds: Buzzards, Magpies, Jays, Carrion Crows, Heron, Wood Pigeons, Stock Doves, Black-headed Gulls, Green/Great Spotted Woodpeckers, Mistle/Song Thrushes, Blackbirds, Robins, Wrens, Dunnocks, Nuthatches, Goldcrests, Siskins, Bullfinches, Greenfinches, Goldfinches, Chiff Chaffs, Willow Warblers, Coal/Blue/Great/Long-tailed Tits.
Mammals: Wood Mice, Grey Squirrels.
Insects: Bees, Pond Skaters.
Butterflies: Large White, Brimstone.
Plants in flower: Gorse, Bog Myrtle, Primrose.
Willow Warblers have now returned from their over-wintering in warmer climes.
Birds continue to construct nests, sit on eggs, and feed early produced young.

Nature Notes

A month of clear blue skies, warm sunshine and cool nights. No recorded rainfall during the month of March.

SIGHTINGS
Birds: Wood Pigeon, Stock Dove, Buzzards, Jackdaw, Magpies, Jays, Carrion Crows, Black-headed Gulls, Herring Gulls, Green/Great Spotted Woodpeckers, Mistle/Song Thrushes, Blackbirds, Robins, Wrens, Dunnocks, Mallard Ducks, Heron, Nuthatches, Chiff Chaffs, Bull Finches, Siskins, Stonechats, Coal/Blue/Great/Long-tailed Tits, Goldcrests, Greenfinches, Goldfinches, Chaffinches.
Mammals: Wood Mice, Grey Squirrels.
Insects: Bees, Wasps, Pond Skaters.
Butterflies: Brimstone, Red Admiral, Peacock.
Plants in flower: Gorse, Broom, Flowering Redcurrant, Primrose, Bog Myrtle.

A pair of Mallard Ducks have been seen at Kingfisher Creek.
Bird song has been prolific from the end of March.
Chiff Chaffs were heard in the last week of the month, having returned from wintering in Africa.
Nuthatches have been delivering their high pitch call along the Hazelwood path.

Nature Notes

After a cold start to the month February then became very mild, with no significant rainfall.

SIGHTINGS
Birds: Buzzards, Magpies, Carrion Crows, Wood Pigeons, Jays, Herring Gulls, Black-headed Gulls, Green/Great Spotted Woodpeckers, Blackbirds, Robins, Dunnocks, Song Thrushes, Redwings, Pied Wagtails, Siskins, Greenfinches, Goldfinches, Chaffinches, Bullfinches, Wrens, Goldcrest, Nuthatches, Coal/Blue/Great/Long-tailed Tits.
Plants: Gorse in flower.
Mammals: Grey Squirrels, Fox, Wood Mice.
Butterflies: Brimstones, Red Admirals.
Insects: Bees.

A small flock of Redwings were sighted from the middle of the month, having been forced to retreat the south to feed, following harsh weather conditions in the north of England.
Both Brimstone and Red Admiral Butterflies along with Bees have been enticed out into the early Spring like temperatures.
Many species of birds are paired now and showing interest in the bird boxes.
A pair of Buzzards have been seen circling together, performing courtship flights over the site.

Nature Notes

The unseasonal mild weather continued through the month but changed to colder temperatures in the last week, bringing sleet showers and frost. Another quiet winter month for recordings.

SIGHTINGS
Birds: Magpies, Carrion Crows, Wood Pigeons, Jays, Herring Gulls, Black-headed Gulls, Heron, Green/Great Spotted Woodpeckers, Sparrowhawk, Blackbirds, Robins, Dunnocks, Song Thrushes, Siskins, Greenfinches, Goldfinches, Chaffinches, Bullfinches, Wrens, Goldcrest, Nuthatches, Coal/Blue/Great/Long-tailed Tits.
Plants: Gorse in flower.
Mammals: Grey Squirrels.
A pair of Bullfinches which produced five young last Spring/Summer, are again active in their territory, visiting garden feeders along the Hazelwood fenceline. A sighting of a Goldcrest was very welcome, as few sightings were recorded last year when many were lost following a harsh spell of winter weather. Birds continue to night roost in the nest boxes on site. Any required repairs or replacement nesting boxes have been made during January.

Nature Notes December

The continued unseasonal mild weather continued through December to the end of the year, with rain and strong winds and only a few cooler days and nights experienced.

SIGHTINGS
Birds: Buzzards, Magpies, Carrion Crows, Wood Pigeons, Green/Great Spotted Woodpeckers, Black-headed Gulls, Herring Gulls, Mistle Thrushes, Song Thrushes, Blackbirds, Robins, Wrens, Greenfinches, Goldfinches, Chaffinches, Siskin, Coal/Blue/Great/Long-tailed Tits, Mallard Ducks, Snipe.
Plants: Gorse in flower.
Fungi: A large selection brought forth by the continued mild damp weather.
Mammals: Grey Squirrels, Wood Mice, Roe Deer.

Again, a mild month produced many species of Fungi.
Four Mallard Ducks were spotted flying over the site.
A Snipe flew up from near the north permissive path.
Wood Mice active outside their winter quarters.
The bird boxes were emptied of any previous seasons nesting material. Out of the 35 on site only 19 were used. A poor uptake last Spring. Repairs are now in progress where required.

2011 brought no new significant sightings or discoveries.

Nature Watch October

The weather during October was very mixed offering warm bright spells, several cooler weeks, one night of frost, followed by mild temperatures with strong winds and heavy rainfall. Not a month which presented us with many sightings.

SIGHTINGS
Birds: Buzzards, Black-headed Gulls, Jackdaws, Jays, Magpies, Carrion Crows, Wood Pigeon, Sparrowhawk, Green/Great Spotted Woodpeckers, Nuthatches, Blackbirds, Song Thrush, Goldfinches, Greenfinches, Chaffinches, Dunnocks, Robins, Wrens, Coal/Blue/Great/Long-tailed Tits, Siskins, Stonechats, Goldcrest.
Reptiles: Common Lizards.
Butterflies: Red Admiral, Comma, Large White.
Fungi: Common Puff Balls, Brown Birch Bolete, Amethyst Deceiver.
Mammals: Grey Squirrel, Moles showed signs of activity.
No further Bat detector activity shown beyond the beginning of the month.
A few Blackberry fruits remain at the end of the month, a source of food for birds, foxes and small mammals.
Holly bushes are laden with bright red berries at the close of the month, providing food for birds during colder weather to come.

Nature Watch September

The majority of September was cool with heavy showers. The last week changed dramatically with the highest temperatures for that time of year ever recorded. Not much of significance has been reported on the Reserve during the month.

SIGHTINGS
Birds: Magpies, Carrion Crows, Jackdaws, Jays, Buzzards, Black-headed Gulls, Sparrowhawk, Green/Great Spotted Woodpeckers, Nuthatches, Treecreeper, Song Thrush, Blackbirds, Robins, Wrens, Dunnocks, Grrenfinches, Chaffinches, Goldfinches, Bullfinches, Coal/Blue/Great/Long-tailed Tits, Siskins, Swallows, House Martins, Swifts.
Reptiles/Amphibians: Common Lizards.
Butterflies: Large White, Comma, Peacock, Painted Lady, Red Admiral.
Plants in flower: Heather/Ling, Low growing Gorse, Cut-leaved Geranium.
Mammals: Wood Mouse, Moles active, Grey Squirrels, Fox, Pipistrelle Bats.

Migratory birds such as Swallows, House Martins, and Swifts were seen in flight over the site at various times during the month.

A significant lack of Dragonflies and Damselflies this year on site.

Birds are now visiting bird boxes on site, staking claim for night roosting during the Winter period.

Nature Notes June

The month started off with unsettled weather producing a mixture of wet, windy, cooler with showers, but ended with warm sunnier days with the occasional downpour of heavy rain. Another quiet month for observations.

SIGHTINGS
Birds: Feral/Wood Pigeons, Jays, Magpies, Carrion Crows, Black-headed/Herring Gulls, Buzzards, Blackbirds, Robins, Song/Mistle Thrushes, Dunnocks, Wrens, Coal/Long –tailed/Blue/Great Tits, Goldfinches, Greenfinches, Chaffinches, Bullfinches, Great Spotted/Green Woodpeckers, Siskins, Blackcaps, Nuthatch, Tree Pipit, Nightjar, Chiffchaff, Willow Warblers.
Plants in flower: Cut-leaved Geranium, Blackberries, Cotton Grass, Common Helleborine, Heather/Ling – Cross-leaved, Bell.
Fungi: Yellow Brain.
Reptiles/Amphibians: Common Lizards.
Insects: Pond Skaters.
Dragonfly: Broad Bodied.
Damselflies: Small Red, Common Blue, Banded Demoiselle.
Mammals: Pipistrelle Bats, Grey Squirrels.
Butterflies: Speckled Wood, Small White, Silver Studded Blue, Small Skipper. A number of different species of day flying Moths.

The sound of a Nightjar was heard from early June.
Robin young are now losing the speckled appearance, replaced by the rustic red breast.
Rowan Trees along Hazelwood path on the southern end of the site have berries colouring up.
Holly berries are now forming.
Very noticeable this year is the success in breeding by the Bullfinches, Blackcaps and Siskins.

Nature Notes

Leaving the cold spell of weather behind that January brought us, February enjoyed milder conditions with several sunny Spring like days. The light in the mornings and evenings are beginning to improve.
SIGHTINGS
Birds: Jays, Magpies, Hooded Crows, Buzzards, Black-headed Gulls, Wood Pigeon, Green/Great Spotted Woodpeckers, Mallard Ducks, Blackbirds, Robins, Song Thrush, Blackcap, Chaffinch, Greenfinch, Goldfinch, Siskin, Coal/Blue/Great/Long-tailed Tits, Goldcrest.
Plants: Gorse in flower, Hazel Catkins showing.
Mammals: Wood Mice, Moles, Grey Squirrel.
Butterflies: Brimstone.
Insects: Buff-tailed Bumble Bees.
A pair of Mallard Ducks were seen in flight over the Reserve. Definite signs of courtship by the birds, plus an increase in bird song. Birds showing an interest in the nest boxes on site during the day.
Brimstone Butterflies and Buff-tailed Bumble Bees were tempted into flight on warmer days.

Nature Watch November

Another quiet period for sightings on the Reserve.
Weather: Cold with night frosts, cold winds and snow flurries.

Sightings
Plants: Gorse.
Birds: Buzzard, Magpie, Crows, Wood Pigeons, Jays, Herring/Black-headed Gulls, Heron, Green/Great Spotted Woodpeckers, Robin, Blackbird, Song Thrush, Chaffinch, Greenfinch, Goldfinch,Dunnock, Wren, Goldcrest, Coal/Blue/Great/Long-tailed Tits, Pied Wagtails, Siskin, Redwing.
A Heron has been seen regularly, flying along the south boundary.
Goldcrests have been sighted after a spell of absence.
A flock of Redwings, roosting in trees in Redwood Drive, have visited the site.
Mammals: Wood mice have been seen during the daytime searching for food as the wintry weather closed in.

The nest box survey was completed in November and last summers nesting material cleared out. Of the 37 boxes on site, 21 had evidence of having been used.

Nature Watch

The weather during this period has been very mixed with persistent heavy rain followed by dry days with sunshine and cold frosty nights.

SIGHTINGS : Jackdaws, Crows, Gulls, Green/Great Spotted Woodpeckers, Buzzards, Magpies, Jays, Heron, Redwing, Mistle Thrush, Nuthatch, Treecreeper, Blackcaps, Bullfinch, Siskin, Brambling, Stonechats, Greenfinch, Goldfinch, Chaffinch, Song Thrush, Goldcrests, Wrens, Dunnocks, House Sparrow, Blackbirds, Robins, Blue/Great/Coal/Long-tailed Tits, Roe Deer, Frog spawn.
A Heron has been seen collecting wet leaves and twigs for nest construction.
A large number of Snipe have been visiting the Reserve during this Winter period with 10 to 12 seen at any one time.
A pair of Bullfinch are resident in Hazelwood West hopefully to breed here in the Spring.
A pair of Blackcaps remained for the Winter in Hazelwood West, again, hopefully to breed in the Spring.
March will be the last chance to spot Redwing, Brambling, and the Winter resident Siskin before they depart for the North and Scandinavia.

Birds are now visiting the nest boxes on site to establish ownership for breeding. A Robin has already built a nest on the fence line of Hazelwood West and laid one egg in the second week of March. It is believed that birds will only lay as many eggs to produce chicks that they can provide food for. Obviously food is not plentiful enough at present to support a larger brood.

Nature Watch

The weather during this period has been cold and mostly dry with a few snow flurries and the occasional milder day. Much of the wildlife which frequents heath land and the perimeter woodland has spilt into surrounding areas with more birds visiting gardens.

SIGHTINGS/OBSERVATIONS
Great Spotted/Green Woodpeckers, Jays, Buzzards, Black headed Gulls, Heron, Redwings, Fieldfare, Pheasant, Nuthatch, Treecreeper, Goldcrest, Song Thrush, Mistle Thrush, Stonechats, Crows, Wood Pigeon, Siskin, Goldfinch, Chaffinch, Blackcap, Blue/Great/Coal/Long-tailed Tits, Dunnocks, Wrens, Robins, Blackbirds and a group of Mallard Ducks flying in formation over the site. A small number of house sparrows have been seen along the fence line of Hazelwood/Hazel Drive. On the open bog good numbers of Snipe are still feeding. Grazing by the cattle last year has opened up the tussocky grass providing excellent conditions for this secretive bird.

The Great Spotted Woodpeckers have paired and are often seen in each others company.

A trial of feeding the Stonechats with mealworms during the harsher weather conditions has proved sucessful. Suitable winter food continues to be supplied at the feeding stations for the woodland birds.

Blue Tits continue to night roost in the camera nest boxes.

One of the earliest ground nesting birds on open heath is the Woodlark which start singing from the tops of scattered pines in February. Recordings of this bird are rare at Slop Bog so please let the Ranger staff know if you are lucky enough to see or hear one (telephone 01425 483809; e-mail w.holland@dorset.gov.uk).