Birds and other
wildlife recorded in April 2022
A
number of Pheasants were heard nearby. Red Kite, Sparrowhawk and Buzzards were
all encountered as were the expected Stock Dove and Woodpigeon. Both common
woodpeckers were recorded: Green and Great-spotted. The usual corvids were
about: Magpie, jay, Jackdaw (over 20 on the 22nd), Rook and carrion crow. The
number of nests in the rookery has varied considerably strong winds affected
them, and now it is quite difficult to count them as leaf burst means they are
more difficult to see at some point early in the month there were about 19
and this number then reduced and by now many of the youngsters will have
fledged.
A Goldcrest one of Britains tiniest birds,
the other being Firecrest was heard in the larches. Blue Tits and Great Tits
were very vocal this month, and there were occasional Long-tailed Tits, no
longer flocking but pairing up. The summer migrant Chiffchaffs and Blackcaps
(many on the 17th) were very easy to hear but nobody has recorded Willow
Warbler or Garden Warbler yet!
Nuthatches
were seen and heard, and Wren and Blackbird were common, often emitting alarm
calls before being seen. Song Thrushes have also been singing a lot this month
a varied but repeated song. Robins and Chaffinches were also abundant.
Plants:
There were good shows of Wood Anemone, Lesser Celandine and Dogs Mercury, and
of course Bluebells. These were quite early this year and provided a
magnificent show. The Common-spotted
orchid leaf rosettes are abundant.
Butterflies:
Many sightings were recorded of Brimstone, Peacock, Small Tortoiseshell, Holly
Blue, and Orange-tip. Look out for the rest!
Other
wildlife: Plenty of Dark-edged Beeflies and bumblebees, and hoverflies. And of
course in the pond tadpoles and water-boatmen.
More
people have sent in their sightings this month Thank you -please continue to
do so!
