Nature Fact

Both Redwings and Fieldfares move to the South of England, usually from Scandinavia. Winter flocks roam widely with migrants wintering in different areas in different years. It has been found that the oldest ringed bird of both species have lived for over 18 years.

Nature Watch

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.

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.

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.