Birds and other
wildlife recorded in December 2022
A
Grey Heron was seen in flight over the woods on the 17th. Three birds of prey were recorded: Red Kite
(pretty regularly), Buzzard and Kestrel. The occasional nocturnal call of a
Tawny Owl was detected – their notes carry quite a distance. A flock of 10
Lapwings flew over on the 15th. Perhaps the most exciting record was that of a
Woodcock seen flying into the wood from nearby rough grassland; these birds are
not rare but very under-recorded as they are crepuscular (dusk time) in habit
and are often only detected by their call. There is a Woodcock Survey being run
by the BTO this season – check it out!
Another flyover was herring Gull.
Woodpigeons
were around but nobody recorded Stock Dove. Both the common woodpeckers –
Great-spotted and Green were about as were the usual corvids: Magpie, Jay,
Jackdaw, Rook, and Carrion Crow. Check
the trees for Rooks – their nesting preferences have been very mobile in recent
years; they are early nesters so there should be activity in January. In
complete size contrast Goldcrests have been seen – look out for these tiny but
colourful birds, especially near the larches and other conifers. The regular tits have been around: Blue Tit,
Great Tit, Coal Tit (often overlooked and very speedy), and their distant
relative the Long-tailed Tit. Nuthatch and Treecreeper also recorded.
Blackbirds
are common and now the “Scandinavian thrushes”, Redwing and Fieldfare have also
been found – but no record of Song Thrush! Robins and Dunnocks and House
Sparrows were also encountered. Finally, to the finches: on the 15th of the
month there were 5 Chaffinches, 3 Greenfinches, 2 Bullfinches and 7 Goldies – a
very pleasing sight for the observer. All in all, 31 species of birds recorded
this month.
Several
mammals were seen: Muntjac, Red Fox,
2 Roe Deer on 2 separate occasions, and one sighting of 3 (not a common species
here). Finally, of course – Grey Squirrel
Thanks
to everyone who has submitted their records – keep them coming, please!
