Birds and other
wildlife recorded in June 2024
Several
records of Red Kites overhead – always an uplifting sight and sound; and the
calling of a juvenile Buzzard (breeding in the wood?). Stock Dove, Woodpigeon,
Collared Dove and Feral Pigeon all noted.
Both common woodpeckers, Green and Great-spotted, were seen and heard,
and unsurprisingly the common corvids were also around, sometimes in abundance:
Magpie, Jay, Jackdaw, Rook and Carrion Crow – and also Raven; listen out for
its loud “cronking” sound and have a look at the shape of its tail. Carrion
Crows have straight tail end in flight – a Raven has a wedge-shaped tail.
There
are Goldcrests around; one of our smallest birds, but quite vocal. Several have
been seen in the picnic area. The usual tits have been recorded: Blue Tit,
Great Tit, Coal Tit and Long-tailed Tit (their very distant relative). Several
warbler species have been noted: Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler, Blackcap and
Garden Warbler – these last two are quite difficult to tell apart in their
song. It’s worth having a look at Xeno Canto on the internet to listen to the
differences! A Whitethroat was recorded and so were Nuthatch, Treecreeper and
Wren. Blackbird and Song Thrush were fairly frequent – and a Mistle Thrush was
also detected. Robins were regulars! There is quite a lot of Skylark song on
the field to the west of the bridleway. Finally, to the finches: Chaffinch,
Greenfinch (several called to accompany the work party on the 24th!), Bullfinch
and Goldfinch.
Other wildlife
The
usual mammal suspects: Rabbit, Grey Squirrel and Muntjac. It’s not been a great
summer for butterflies, but people have noted Meadow Browns, Ringlets and the
first of the Gatekeepers. A Chimney Sweeper moth was seen – small, black and
day-flying. A Banded Demoiselle was also seen; look out for members of the
dragonfly family.
Finally
– the Common Spotted Orchids have done well – over 100 on the 24th, but no Bee
Orchid recorded yet. We have had a few in the past so do look out for them. Other
common flowers to spot: Agrimony, Selfheal and various vetches.
Please
send in your records; it may be ordinary and commonplace to you, but we do need
to know and record what is there – particularly with the threat of building
very nearby!
