Birds and other
wildlife recorded in September 2024
Birds: Quite
a quiet month! Many common bird species that we might normally expect are not
on the list, but many of the observers have also been absent for a while! As
the weather becomes more autumnal the birds and the humans may be making
themselves more visible in the woods.
Two
species of birds of prey were observed: Red Kite and Sparrowhawk. The usual
trio of pigeons and doves were fairly frequent: Stock Dove, Woodpigeon and
Collared Dove. Great-spotted Woodpecker was heard/seen but no Green Woodpecker
was recorded. The common corvids were also about: Magpie (at least 4 on the 12th),
Jay, Jackdaw, Rook and Carrion Crow.
Goldcrest, one of our smallest
species, was detected – they are usually in the conifers/larches, and the
common tits were also recorded: Blue Tit, Great Tit, Coal Tit, and Long-tailed
Tit. The tits, having had their breeding season will often now be found in
small flocks. Blackbirds were fairly
commonly found. The only warbler recorded was Chiffchaff; some of these, and
some Black Caps may well be around in the winter months. The essentially
woodland pair – Nuthatch and Treecreeper were encountered, as were Wren, Robin
and Dunnock. The only finch recorded was Goldfinch; look out for Chaffinch and
Bullfinch – we still have them in the woods.
Mammals:
Grey
Squirrel and Rabbit
Butterflies
and other insects: Green-veined White and Speckled Wood. A Southern Hawker was recorded, as
was a Box Tree Moth, the latter a handsome moth but one that is a very
unwelcome invader if you have a Box hedge.
