Nature Notes January 2017

The weather conditions were continually changing throughout January.  From cold, frosty conditions, thick mist, to heavy rain or drizzle.   Not a very hospitable time for the wildlife.  A quiet month on the Reserve.

SIGHTINGS
Birds:   Magpies, Carrion Crows, Jackdaws, Jays, Tawny Owl, Buzzards, Wood Pigeons, Herons, Black-headed Gulls, Common Gulls, Great Spotted/Green Woodpeckers, Nuthatches, Stonechats, Siskins, Chaffinches, Bullfinches, Greenfinches, Wrens, Goldcrests, Song Thrushes, Robins, Blackbirds, Long-tailed/Blue/Great Tits.
Plants in flower:   Common Gorse.
Fungi:   Birch Polypore.
Mammals:   Grey Squirrels, Roe Deer, Fox, Mole activity, Wood Mice.

Resident species of birds were seen in pairs and visiting nest boxes in readiness for the start of the breeding season.  Tawny Owls and Buzzards will nest in the coming month as raptors are among the first birds to breed.

SITE  MANAGEMENT
The cattle have now vacated the site and are expected to return in the Spring. The work party replaced a number of straining posts pending realignment of part of the enclosure fencing as well as clearing invasive vegetation along Kingfisher Creek.  The next work party is scheduled for Tuesday 28th February at 10am.  Details will be posted on this blog page nearer the time.

Work Party Tuesday 31st January 10am-1pm

Meet at the boardwalk, West Moors Road entrance end. Probable tasks include replacing fencing and clearing vegetation from the bank bordering Kingfisher Creek. Underfoot conditions may well be wet so the wearing of wellington boots is recommended. Tools, gloves and refreshments will be provided.

Phone Will Holland on 07827 820465 for further details if required.

Nature Notes December

Predominately mild  but hard night frosts at the end of the month.  A quiet month on the Reserve as expected for the time of year.

SIGHTINGS 
Birds:   Herons, Carrion Crows, Buzzards, Jackdaws, Tawny Owls, Magpies, Jays, Common Gulls, Black-headed Gulls, Sparrowhawk, Wood Pigeons, Stock Doves. Collared Doves, Green/Great Spotted Woodpeckers, Nuthatches, Treecreeper, Siskins, Stonechat, Blackbirds, Song Thrushes, Robins, Wrens, Pied Wagtails, Grey Wagtail, Chaffinches, Bullfinches, Greenfinches, Goldfinches, Goldcrest, Firecrest, Wrens, Coal/Blue/Great/Long-tailed Tits.
Mammals:   Roe Deer, Fox, Grey Squirrels, Wood Mice, evidence of Mole activity.
Pond Life:   Whirlygig Beetles.
Fungi:   Many-zoned Polypore.
Plants:   Holly Berries.

A sighting of a Firecrest was reported by a visitor.  Birds of the same species seen in pairs already.

Nature Fact

The Firecrest is only marginally larger than a Goldcrest but is more brightly coloured, with greener upperparts, whiter underparts and a strongly striped head, including a dark stripe through the eye and bordered black above. The male has a startling orange red and yellow patch on the crown. The female’s crown patch is more yellow.  Both sexes have a bronze patch on the side of the neck.

Work Party Tuesday 3rd January

The plan is to fell a few of the larger willows close to the path/fenceline that we have previously worked on this winter. They are within the grazing unit and are causing significant shading on the open heath.  We will be tidying the area, having a bonfire and undertaking other chores should time permit.

Meet at 10am at the Redwood Drive entrance. Contact Will Holland on 07827 820465 for further information if required. Tools, gloves and refreshment will be provided.

Nature Notes November

A month of fluctuating temperatures and conditions with strong winds, heavy rain and days of sunshine. There was a cold snap in the last week with night temperatures falling to -6 degrees.

SIGHTINGS 
Birds:   Carrion Crows, Hooded Crows, Buzzards, Jackdaws, Tawny Owls, Heron, Jays, Magpies, Common Gulls, Black-headed Gulls, Wood Pigeons, Stock Doves, Green/Great Spotted Woodpeckers, Nuthatches, Treecreeper, Siskins, Stonechat, Jack Snipe, Mistle Thrush, Blackbirds, Robins, Song Thrushes, Pied Wagtails, Chaffinches, Bullfinches, Greenfinches, Goldfinches, Goldcrests, Wrens, Coal/Blue/Great/Long-tailed Tits.
Mammals:   Roe Deer, Fox, Grey Squirrels, Wood Mice, evidence of Mole activity.
Pond Life:   Pond Skaters, Whirlygig Beetles.
Butterflies/Moths:   Brimstone, Large White.
Insects:   Sheet Web Spiders, Funnel Spiders, Garden Spiders.
Plants:   Holly Berries, Ivy Seed heads, Rowan Berries.

The annual survey of nest boxes on site was undertaking which revealed 23 were used, 9 not used, 2 were missing and 1 abandoned.  Now that inclement weather has arrived the boxes are now all ready for Winter night roosting, giving vital shelter to smaller birds.

SITE  MAINTENANCE
The work party removed gorse and scrub  to allow a stretch of the southern fence line to be straightened. The cut vegetation was burnt. Details of the next work party will be posted on www.slopbog.org blog page toward the end of December.