Heavy rain and strong winds predominated throughout the period. Progressing into December, the weather turned colder with a few bright days.
SIGHTINGS/OBSERVATIONS
Some surprising reports of reptiles being active during mild spells. A Slow Worm was seen on the afternoon of the 11th November. A female Adder was spotted by dog walkers on two separate occasions in the same area during the 3rd week of November. Greenfinches, Goldfinches, Chaffinches, Bullfinch, Song and Mistle Thrushes, Redwings, Siskins, Nuthatch, Great Spotted Woodpeckers, Long-Tailed/Coal/Blue/Great Tits, Wrens, Goldcrest, Magpies, Crows, Jays, Sparrowhawk and a Cormorant in flight over the Reserve. The wet bog remains an important habitat for Snipe and 10 of these hard to spot birds were seen.
Two Roe Deer were observed grazing in the Wet Wood at dawn.
During the wet, milder conditions many fungi have continued to appear, one being Tricholoma Aurantium (Plums and Custard), which will deteriorate quickly if the cold and/or frosty weather continues.
Tuesday, 15 December 2009
Nature Facts
The Goldfinch is one of the smaller finches found in Britain. It prefers to mainly live in small groups known as "charms" of Goldfinches. A "charm" will rove over the countryside twittering loudly whilst busily working their way from one patch of seed heads to another. They are often seen in garden locations on provided seed feeders.
Adders are the only snake whose range extends as far North as the Arctic Circle. Despite being better adapted to colder conditions than other species, it is still unusual to see them during their typical hibernation period of October to March.
Adders are the only snake whose range extends as far North as the Arctic Circle. Despite being better adapted to colder conditions than other species, it is still unusual to see them during their typical hibernation period of October to March.
Site Management
The nest boxes have been inspected for use/replacement/repairs. Of the 36 installed boxes, 21 had been occupied for nesting, 13 were unused, 1 is missing/removed and one was not inspected. Any repairs and replacements are planned to be carried out before the next breeding season. At the same time of the inspection, squares of white paper were placed on the floors of most boxes so any deposits will confirm birds are using them for overnight roosting. Two camera boxes on the fence line of Hazelwood/Hazel Drive are both occupies each night by Blue Tits.
Woodland management along the edge of Hazelwood continues. Dealing with the branches and logs remains the biggest challenge. Why not join us for the CHRISTMAS WORK PARTY on 29th DECEMBER 11am-3pm to help out?
Leaflet dispensers have been fixed to the notice boards at the Redwood Drive and West Moors Road entrances. Within the dispenser there is a VISITORS BOOK for the recording of wildlife sightings and comments. Dog waste bags are also available.
Woodland management along the edge of Hazelwood continues. Dealing with the branches and logs remains the biggest challenge. Why not join us for the CHRISTMAS WORK PARTY on 29th DECEMBER 11am-3pm to help out?
Leaflet dispensers have been fixed to the notice boards at the Redwood Drive and West Moors Road entrances. Within the dispenser there is a VISITORS BOOK for the recording of wildlife sightings and comments. Dog waste bags are also available.
Tuesday, 10 November 2009
Nature Notes
On the heath and bog, reptiles now retreat to their underground Winter homes called hibernacula. The occasional mild and sunny day may allow for some activity.
Also making use of any warmer days are some of the butterflies. Many species overwinter as eggs, laid on the caterpillar food plants. A few such as the Red Admiral and Tortoiseshell can overwinter as adults and will often shelter hidden in garden sheds or garages. Before hibernating, they build up their food reserves and can be seen feeding on late flowering plants such as Ivy. If you have Ivy on trees in your garden think twice before removing it. Contrary to popular belief it is not a parasite and does not "strangle" trees. For birds and insects it provides all year round shelter, a late nectar source and berries as food. Nesting birds and even bats have been known to use it as a home.
Out on the bog you may be lucky enough to glimpse a Snipe. This is a well camouflaged wading bird that spends most of its time feeding on wet ground. Usually only noticed when disturbed, look for the extra long bill as an identifying feature. Also look out for incoming migrants such as Fieldfare, Redwing, Brambling, Redpole and Siskin.
The occasional dragonfly may still be seen along the boardwalk, usually resting on the boards or rails, trying to absorb the little warmth they can from the weak sunshine. These insects rely for food on new larvae emerging from the bog pools each year. The few adults you now see will gradually die over the coming weeks.
Also making use of any warmer days are some of the butterflies. Many species overwinter as eggs, laid on the caterpillar food plants. A few such as the Red Admiral and Tortoiseshell can overwinter as adults and will often shelter hidden in garden sheds or garages. Before hibernating, they build up their food reserves and can be seen feeding on late flowering plants such as Ivy. If you have Ivy on trees in your garden think twice before removing it. Contrary to popular belief it is not a parasite and does not "strangle" trees. For birds and insects it provides all year round shelter, a late nectar source and berries as food. Nesting birds and even bats have been known to use it as a home.
Out on the bog you may be lucky enough to glimpse a Snipe. This is a well camouflaged wading bird that spends most of its time feeding on wet ground. Usually only noticed when disturbed, look for the extra long bill as an identifying feature. Also look out for incoming migrants such as Fieldfare, Redwing, Brambling, Redpole and Siskin.
The occasional dragonfly may still be seen along the boardwalk, usually resting on the boards or rails, trying to absorb the little warmth they can from the weak sunshine. These insects rely for food on new larvae emerging from the bog pools each year. The few adults you now see will gradually die over the coming weeks.
Sightings
Large White and Peacock butterflies, Common Darter dragonflies, Goldfinch, Greenfinch, Jays, Great Spotted/Green Woodpeckers, Nuthatch, Sparrowhawk, Goldcrest and Snipe.
The damp, warmer weather is ideal for fungi and more than 50 varieties have been recorded including:- Fly Agaric, Shallow Pored Bolete, Amethyst Deceiver, Ochre Brittegill, The Blusher, Spotted Toughshank, Earpick Fungus, Birch Mazegill, Mottled Egghead, Safron Milkcap, White Coral Fungus, Surprise Webcap, Grooved Bonnet, Sulpher Tuft, Hoof Fungus, Brown Pingill. Other species yet to be confirmed:-
Clitocybe Gilva, Hemimycena Pseudogracilis, Mycena Umbellifera, Cortinarius, Mycena Megaspore, Panaeolus Acuminatus and Hebeloma Sinapizans.
Gorse is now showing a few flowers.
A Slow worm was spotted by Ranger staff on 26th October.
Monitoring of Bats during the last month has continued but no movement has been recorded.
The damp, warmer weather is ideal for fungi and more than 50 varieties have been recorded including:- Fly Agaric, Shallow Pored Bolete, Amethyst Deceiver, Ochre Brittegill, The Blusher, Spotted Toughshank, Earpick Fungus, Birch Mazegill, Mottled Egghead, Safron Milkcap, White Coral Fungus, Surprise Webcap, Grooved Bonnet, Sulpher Tuft, Hoof Fungus, Brown Pingill. Other species yet to be confirmed:-
Clitocybe Gilva, Hemimycena Pseudogracilis, Mycena Umbellifera, Cortinarius, Mycena Megaspore, Panaeolus Acuminatus and Hebeloma Sinapizans.
Gorse is now showing a few flowers.
A Slow worm was spotted by Ranger staff on 26th October.
Monitoring of Bats during the last month has continued but no movement has been recorded.
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