Nature Fact

The small three-spined Stickleback is one of the most common fish found in ponds and streams in Britain. In March, it claims a territory in open water, defending if against other males, until the end of June. He excavates a pit and builds a nest tunnel for the female to spawn in. After fertilising the eggs, he drives her away, becoming a single parent, who provides shelter and protection for the broods it fathers.

Nature Notes

February delivered one fall of snow in the first week, followed by wet weather on the whole but with a few bright dry sunny days.

SIGHTINGS
Birds:-   Buzzards, Carrion Crows, Jackdaws, Magpies, Jays, Sparrowhawk, Heron, Wood Pigeons, Green/Great Spotted Woodpeckers, Black-headed Gulls, Coal/Blue/Great/Long-tailed Tits, Dunnocks, Blackbirds, Song Thrushes, Robins, Wrens, Coldcrests, Nuthatches, Chaffinches, Bullfinches, Goldfinches, Greenfinches, Female Stonechat, Siskins.
Mammals:-   Grey Squirrels, active Moles, Fox.
Plants in flower:-   Common Gorse.
Insects:-   Several species of Bees.

It was noticed that birds were seen in pairs.
Moles were very active, pushing up hills above their tunnel runs.
During the Winter months, the bird box survey was carried out on the Nature Reserve. Twenty four boxes were occupied last Spring.

Nature Fact

Winter life in the cold Season - The short Winter days give birds little time in which to meet their food requirements.  It then becomes vital to conserve as much energy as possible during the long cold over-night vigil.  Small birds are especially vulnerable to heat loss at night and some, such as Wrens and long-tailed Tits, huddle together in groups to share body warmth in a snug recess, such as a tree hole or old nest.

Work Party Tuesday 10th Feb

Meet at the West Moors Road entrance for 10am.  The noticeboard here has had to be repaired and needs resiting.  Depending on numbers, we may split, leaving a group to continue the installation  whilst the remainder carries out scrub clearance further out on the heath.  As always, refreshments available.  Please contact Will Holland on 07827 820465 if you have any queries.

Nature Notes January

January was a cold month on the whole bringing heavy rain, sleet and frosts.  

SIGHTINGS
Birds:   Buzzards, Carrion Crows, Jackdaws, Magpies, Jays, Wood Pigeons, Green/Great Spotted Woodpeckers, Black-headed Gulls, Coal/Blue/Great/Long-tailed Tits, Dunnocks, Blackbirds, Song Thrushes, Robins, Nuthatches, Wrens, Goldcrest, Chaffinches, Bullfinches, Goldfinches, Greenfinches, Siskins, Grey Wagtail.
Mammals:   Grey Squirrels.
Plants in Flower:   Common Gorse.