February - the End of Winter

The last day of February - the highlights of the month were the large numbers of birds singing, the 

lack of snow but frosty nights, the strength of the sun when it appeared....and the numerous sightings of Little Egrets along the river.

Hazel catkins in the sun on the river bank.

When it comes to looking at the value of a tree to wildlife in general, the Oak is regarded as the most valuable, followed by members of the Willow species, Birch, Scots Pine, Crab Apple, Alder and hedgerow species such as Hawthorn, Blackthorn and Hazel. Value is not always as obvious as a tree providing nuts, berries or fruits for birds and mammals. Most of these trees attract a large diversity of insects or large numbers of a few species of insect (biomass) which are a valuable source of food to birds, not only in the warmer months.

February on the riverside started started with some very cold weather (for us!) and strong NW winds, overnight frosts and snow flurries with some heavier snow showers ending in prolonged sleet on 5th

but with no snow settling. Shallow water froze over but usually thawed during the daytime. The 8th was a typical day (see previous Report) but song thrushes were heard singing strongly on calmer evenings and grey heron seen following the river course. Nuthatches were very vocal and one or two Roe deer were seen browsing in the undergrowth.

Mid February saw some very heavy rain but song thrushes continued singing and there was increased activity and singing amongst the groups of goldfinch, starlings and occasionally linnets. Towards the end of the month there were sightings of kingfishers on the river and more sightings of little egrets. Green woodpeckers were heard yaffling and great spotted woodpeckers were drumming, with robins and song thrushes continuing their song.