A Cold Winter - but signs of Spring

The survey for Sunday February 21st 2021

 In recent years we have become accustomed to signs of spring early in the new year but February this year 2021 has been cold - as it used to be in the previous century....but at least this weekend showed that spring weather was a possibility after all. 

There had been a shower overnight but it was becoming brighter and the wind had dropped. High cloud allowed the light through, at least for a few hours.The river was running lower and muddy with paths churned up by the leaden feet of weary joggers seeing only numbers of miles and minutes - well kms sounds more impressive. The green leaves of Wild Garlic were shooting up above last years dry grasses and flower stalks. Insects were now gathering around the soft crab apples and Hazel catkins marked out the presence of Hazel trees along the riverbanks - their stages dependent on the site location - shade or sun, north or south. Bird song provided a continuous background chorus. 

Dog rose hips continued to provide colour along the fencing, failing to tempt most birds, although eventually they will be eaten if food is scarce in early spring.

Larger birds with powerful beaks are always good survivors , such as the characterful Carrion Crows which are always seen in small numbers along the river. Today there were 11 seen and heard in various locations. Woodpigeons too are always present  with 30 seen either singly or in small groups, spread out. Seven magpies, three rooks, two jackdaws, six herring gulls and one black-headed gull were also seen. Starlings have their own rules and are rarely seen here in large flocks although large number can hide away in dense Ivy roosts where one can only guess their numbers by their calls. Today there were about twenty seen, mostly around a green with a dense bramble margin. Two jays, probably a pair were seen flying into a small copse where they remained out of sight.

House sparrows were numerous as usual and very audible, in several colonies about 85 in all whilst more than ten goldfinches had gathered in a tangled thicket of dense bare twigs and branches, flying off and returning now and again. Others were seen flying across the river in small groups.A chaffinch was heard calling but no greenfinches were detected and only one calling bullfinch was heard in bare willows.

Frog spawn in one of the ponds. The erratic  and often very cold weather has not been ideal this spring, but this patch survived, with lively adult frogs very visible. Grey herons have been patrolling the river and ponds recently, searching out food to take to their young some distance upstream.

A smart single male pied wagtail was busy on the shorter grass at the river bank, perhaps one of a pair that has been seen recently on another meander of the river. Blackbirds (35) were seen just about everywhere, with song thrushes (16) usually in the same damp areas when foraging, They do seem to be more numerous now than a few years ago - perhaps more winter migrants make the journey and perhaps more migrants decide to stay all year.  A single migrant - a redwing was seen amongst ivy and berries - this bird definitely returns to breed mostly in  north and east Europe  - they are only here for the winter berries! Dunnock were visible today (6) two chasing in the undergrowth  with others on the margin of the pond where a common toad was heard.

Wrens were singing loudly  in many mossy places, warming up after the freezing days (21) . There is no sign that the number of small birds has been reduced by the winter weather in this particular location. Its diversity means that there is always shelter, unfrozen flowing water and undergrowth cover for all.  Robins have certainly prospered with 28 mostly singing and preparing to nest. Blue ts (over 50) too seemed to be preparing to nest as were long-tailed ts (3), whilst great ts were very vocal (32) and active, searching for spiders and prospecting for possible nest sites. One of the smallest birds, the goldcrest is usually resident  - three were visible and very active in the conifers.

It gradually became warmer and brighter for a while and Buff-tailed Bumblebees appeared, ranging slowly over the banks.

Two nuthatch were seen in the old oaks - one quietly tapping, probably refurbishing a nest,  then calling with the other calling from a more distant tree. In a different location a great-spotted woodpecker called and flew across to an Ash whilst some distance above a common buzzard was gliding, followed by two carrion-crows. Another gliding buzzard looked down at me.(2).

Finally there was a very good view of a mistle thrush singing loudly from the top of a tree.

Mid January - A Short look

 Before proceeding to February 2021- just a few observations on 21st January- a fine evening for birds.

The 'evening' started at 14,15 (remember those short winter days when the sun was fast setting below the tree line before 3pm). A mistle thrush was was singing loudly from a tree top although each song was short. The tall conifer provided a fine song post with a good outlook. Small movements amongst the branches revealed several goldcrests foraging and a family of magpies flew away across to nearby woods to roost.

Further along the river a great-spotted woodpecker called from an old oak and two song thrushes sang in a copse overlooking one of the meanders. Two local carrion crows, a known pair, flew down to the field where two herring gulls were patrolling on the grass. They were disturbed by a single black-headed gull which flew over them, getting lower with each aggressive swoop, attempting to persuade them to leave this traditional meeting place for a flock of Black-headed gulls. (It succeeded eventually,  as several days later the winter flock moved in as usual, ignoring the crow pair). 

Two more song thrushes were seen, foraging on the grass further north and a redwing flew across, its red underwing flashing in the evening light. Several blackbirds, probably a mix of winter visitors and resident birds were gathered around a crab apple tree where the fruits were now ripening at last. Robins,were singing on each corner and great ts, blue ts, a coal t, several Dunnock and a colony of house sparrows  were all active.

Hazel catkins in profusion indicate  a good crop of nuts for birds and small mammals which will harvest them well before they ripen in early summer.

A 'charm' of goldfinches were active under shrubs and dried Dock grasses, their constant soft song giving their presence away. A small flock of starlings flew around their ivy roost - after all it was getting dark - then another mistle thrush started to sing whilst the first one was still audible in the distance.

A Traditional Winter - the Survey for 31st January 2021

 A traditional winter's day here? Not quite, but almost cold enough, the survey for Sunday 31st January 2021 was made on an unexceptional day. Just above freezing all day, reasonably bright with light cloud cover and a light Easterly breeze. The ground was very muddy,  the river itself muddy and fast-running about a meter below the tops of banks. It was very easy now to pick out the Hazel trees amongst all the other species lining the riverside by the catkins. Crab apples were now ripe and attracting many blackbirds. Dried up blackberries offered seed heads to the smaller birds where brambles produced only small dry fruits during the hot summer. Bright Rose hips remained mostly untouched.There was very little new growth visible, just small patches of cow parsley and the green shoots of Wild Garlic in places. A Mistle thrush dominated the bird song high in the tree canopy whilst great.ts were singing their varied songs too.

Young song thrushes were concentrating on foraging in the muddy grass and undergrowth, silent, in groups, perhaps last year's young keeping together whilst adults concentrated on their spring songs.

A blue sky for a few minutes.

Robins were the first birds heard on the riverside (21) and the first birds seen at dawn and the last seen at dusk.Wood piigeons were easily seen too but far less active on the branches (44).  Resident and migrant blackbirds were seen in large numbers (34) compared with summer birds, feasting on remaining sloes and crab apples to which crowds were attracted. The most numerous birds as usual were the house sparrows,(more than 100) some taking seeds from the dry brambles and others waiting for the sun to appear on the hedges, jostling for the best positions. 

Singing wrens (14) were seen in various places low down along the banks - like robins they are fierce individuals and do not seek safety in colonies. Large numbers of Blue ts  (80) and Great ts  (34) were active everywhere, the Blue ts having found that willow catkins were appearing on the bare branches.

Nine Dunnock were seen in scrub and on paths, sometimes together with house sparrows, but most were singing today.  Goldfinches (50 approx.) were more visible;e today, foraging in thickets and undergrowth where they could be heard singing together, remaining partially under cover. A single greenfinch was heard - these usually move around foraging in groups but there are never enough to form groups now. A female bullfinch was seen and a male heard nearby - they remain elusive even during winter. A single goldcrest was seen in a conifer.  In the air, a group of starlings (14) were seen flying towards their Ivy roost and there were eight magpies foraging on a new field in the distance ,  sixteen herring gulls flew across and two black-headed gulls arrived on the playing field not far from the territory of a pair of carrion crows. Seven other carrion crows were seen elsewhere (total 9). An unidentified flying goose was seen and heard and a sparrow hawk flew down from the tree canopy.

A great spotted woodpecker was seen high in an ash tree and a green woodpecker was heard calling from the wild filed.

Jays attempts to hide most of the time but give themselves away when they fly. Two were seen in flight, probably a pair. Four nuthatches were calling loudly in different locations - they will become silent as soon as they nest unless under threat.

Six redwing were seen to fly across into a thicket then up again whilst a single Mistle thrush gave a loud burst of song at the top of a tall tree, then its continuing song could be heard over a wide field.

The song thrushes were the stars today with 17 seen and most heard singing with others snatching the last sloes off the blackthorn or foraging in the mud.

Mid December survey, Robins in full song

 Seizing the chance for a survey on 15th December 2020 -just in case the world became even more busy towards the end of 2020 - was just as well. The sun was out after early rain and cloud.  The sky was alternately overcast and bright blue with no wind, not cold but fortunately for  wildlife, very muddy on the banks.

Young Oaks and Hornbeam retained their brown leaves providing very good shelter for birds and small mammals. Muddy puddles in front of hedges made for good foraging and birdsong was everywhere. The river was fast flowing, high and quite muddy, less than one meter from water out of bank.. the last occurrence being exactly one month ago.

The northernmost Crab Apple tree was still full of bright red fruits, remaining too hard and bitter even for the strong-beaked blackbirds. Hazel catkins were still small, with Alder catkins more advanced. Bramble leaves were yellowing but the lack of frost meant most leaves had not yet fallen. Dog Rose hips were as yet untouched by birds which leave them until the bitter end of winter.

Winter on the river bank with plenty of shelter for wildlife in the dense undergrowth

Thickets,  hedges, bramble banks and bracken clumps provided numerous house sparrow colonies with shelter today (total of about 80 birds). These were the most numerous birds as usual but the good news was that there were at least 33 robins along the banks, most singing loudly. Blue ts were also very numerous and active amongst the branches with some foraging on Dock seeds amongst the grasses (63) together with 20 great ts, with just a few calling, in smaller groups. Seven Long-tailed ts, one group of five in a small Maple tree and two flying across were seen.  Two coal ts, always more elusive, were seen at the southernmost end of the hedgerow and three goldcrests were seen fast-foraging in a deciduous tree, a sapling , close up,  as I was sheltering from a rain shower. Wrens (7) were now more easily found as were starting to give small calls and songs after their autumn silence. Their full numbers won't be known until later when singing from their chosen territories. Dunnocks (3) are always a surprise as they sneak out of cover onto paths then disappear again in a second. As with wrens their song usually gives them away when under cover. Another small elusive bird, a treecreeper, known to be present, was seen on the trunk of an old oak collecting insects from the bark.

Apart from the house sparrows, the only other finches seen were goldfinches (12) clustered in a small thicket, singing quietly. As they usually keep together there's no need for loud song.

Higher in the trees, mostly static but observing all the while, were the wood pigeons (53) single or in small groups - large flocks are very seldom seen here. If they appear to be dozing on a branch, then all's well - but the slightest twitch or head movement signals to other birds to watch out for predators. Carrion crows can be noisy but not without reason. There are just a few resident birds here (7 today). Starlings have a small roost amongst ivy and eight were seen but more remained unseen. Quiet magpies (6) and a pair of silent jays were easily seen in the bare branches.

Good numbers of winter migrant blackbirds  have appeared here this winter adding to our resident blackbirds (21) but it's often difficult to tell who's who. Only one fieldfare was seen in a hedge, perhaps left behind by the rest heading west, and five redwing all feeding on the Blackthorn thickets. Two song thrushes preferred to forage on the grass. In the old oak above was a nuthatch calling persistently - they are very territorial at this time of the year and remain as resident birds all year and longer once established. The year's juveniles did very well resulting in some loud altercations over the available territories. Three more nuthatches were present in various locations.(total 4) . The remaining young have probably left to find territories with old trees further away. Also in territorial competition with the nuthatches were the green woodpeckers (1) and and great-spotted woodpeckers (2).

Gulls were active, with 30 Herring gulls circling around the school and four black headed gulls investigating the field which they sometimes occupy as a flock over the whole winter.

Lastly one low-flying  sparrowhawk and one kestrel were present over the river course.

Survey for 26th November 2020 - winter is here

The 26th November was another dark and cloudy day but slowly brightening. We can now see how important hedges are for wildlife. A thin, closely-cropped  decorative hedge with tidied and raked roots is not much use, providing no cover or sustenance for wildlife. A genuine old hedgerow would have been planted for a good reason, always strong and dense enough to prevent a rampaging bull or herd of stock from breaking through and escaping onto a neighbouring farm or disappearing down the lane. Wildlife would take full advantage of these old species-rich hedgerows which would always contain berry and fruit-bearing species and remain year on year. If you can see through a hedge in winter - it's not good enough.

Spindle fruits - an unusual clashing mix of colours - bright pink with bright orange seeds. This occurs in ancient woodlands and old species-rich hedgerows growing at random mixed in with other hedgerow plants.  It's unnoticed until the autumn when the fruits ripen. As with some other fruits birds can cope with the inedible seeds. It's one of the most favoured by robins which claim and guard  'their' bush.

Blackthorn is a good hedgerow example, with an unruly and generous habit sending out shoots in all directions from roots to the very top, swathed in blossom in early spring and bearing sloes in autumn in time to provide sustenance to flocks of winter migrants together with our resident thrushes. 

On 26th, after high water levels on 15th, the river was flowing well but had done no damage. A Blackthorn tree branch had spread itself across the river, an old branch covered with lichen and sloes, presenting no difficulty for most birds trying to reach the fruits. Overhead a typical winter sight, a small flock of pied wagtails flew over heading south whilst house sparrows (about 60) were active in small groups flying across and calling from hedges. Many were just visible under dense bramble picking at seed heads of uneaten blackberries and thistles. Good numbers of robins (26) were now singing loudly, several answering each other along the banks and Hazels. Four Dunnock were seen, two of them on a path and the others into a hedge. It was good to see increasing numbers of wrens now (15) , most visible flying low from undergrowth and banks and a few now singing.

Other small birds, blue ts  (27) and great ts (15) were calling and moving quickly from tree to tree and a single coal t was seen in a hedge. Of the finches, only a single chaffinch was present and again no greenfinches. About 20 goldfinches were active, five flying across in a group and about 15 singing from a thicket together. A bullfinch was heard calling for a second, on the opposite bank and a winter blackcap was present in a thicket nearby. Three goldcrests were seen moving fast amongst the needles of pines further south.

Loud calls came from a great-spotted woodpecker which gave good views perched on a branch directly above whilst eating an unknown item. There were very good views too of a treecreeper creeping up branches of a bare tree. It soon moved aside onto an oak, a far more interesting tree. As usual, nuthatches were present (4), one calling from a maple and the others in various oaks along the river. They seemed to know each other and were probably related.

  Blackbirds,( 41), their numbers augmented by visiting birds from Eastern and Northern Europe, were perched on the Blackthorn or foraging in the dense undergrowth, the migrants probably recognised by their heavier build. Two fieldfare, definitely migrants, were also seen amongst them. Later they were joined by a few redwing (9) also definitely winter migrants, reaching out to grasp and eat sloes as they made their way along the hedges. Song thrushes (5) were more elusive, foraging low, darting into undergrowth and brambles - one gave a very short song from a branch.

Looking up, several carrion crows (13) were scattered in various trees, three in an old oak calling loudly, whilst others selected similarly high lookout perches. The loudest were the jays (5) again appearing very aggressive and unusually visible.   14 herring gulls and only two starlings were seen flying across the river together and  6 magpies flew into trees, strangely silent. A single jackdaw flew across the woods.

The most memorable bird today was a sparrow hawk which suddenly flew out of a thicket across to a tall hedge. It made a level dash into  the  branches and set up many birds including at least 30 wood pigeons which all flew up together whist the smaller birds scattered in all directions. All along the riverside there were about 65 wood pigeons in various places. 

The sparrow hawk was unsuccessful and the birds settled again after a while but then were all set up again by a police helicopter which arrived to hover over the bridge area, circle for some time then disappear. For the second time the birds returned and settled once more. After this the sparrow hawk was seen again (or could have been a second one) this time perched in a tall tree not far away.

November summary - the first frosts and high river water levels

Octobers rain and wind continued into November but with mild temperatures. Wind had caused some minor damage but mostly served to clear leaves from the trees.  Robins were singing strongly on 3rd, with active, silent blackbirds and a few fieldfare seen along the river bank blackthorn thickets. They always appear to be awkward and unaccustomed to foraging amongst the thorns at first. Blue ts, great ts, wrens, house sparrows and dunnocks were present too.

The first frosty morning occurred on 4th but frost quickly disappeared in the sun. A  common buzzard was seen after thermals developed in the afternoon, casually circling whilst being harassed by two carrion crows - it didn't bother to fly away. Robins were again quite numerous as were house sparrows and starlings. The usual dunnocks were visible too. 

Thursday 5th November started under dense fog and mist - with a slight frost. The mist remained for most of the morning. More dunnocks were foraging on the path, robins, carrion crows, herring gulls, blue ts and great ts, blackbirds and nuthatches were present as the mist cleared. It was good to see that new planting, including Hornbeam was being carried out along the new bridge access road. If allowed to grow dense enough it will be used as shelter by small birds as is the existing hawthorn hedge.

By the 9th, more Hornbeam had been planted and the weather had become warmer. Carrion crows, were calling loudly but could not match the local jays. Quiet calls were from a bullfinch - with house sparrows, dunnock, blackbird, many robins, two fieldfare all present, and a green woodpecker was heard calling.

A young mixed hedgerow growing well and now forms habitat for blackbirds and song thrushes, together with small mammals. 

Wednesday 11th was warm but very dark with thick cloud but robins were singing well with good numbers of blue ts, great ts and a family group of long-tailed ts flying across a gap in the trees. A nuthatch called from an old oak. Suddenly a small raptor appeared, flying very fast over the bridge then made a rapid turn out of sight as a group of finches, probably goldfinches flew over. Was this the same raptor seen before - again too small to be a sparrowhawk, It had a greyish back and slim wings which it closed as it  twisted and disappeared fast - merlin? It is possible that it had taken the opportunity to follow its prey down to the river from the fields near the railway line, where an area has been levelled and sown, eventually intended to become playing fields....The birds it hunts will feed in fields elsewhere and it will follow them quickly.

Sunday 15th was memorably for the speed at which the water rose in the river after a very wet and windy couple of days. By Sunday afternoon water was out of bank in places on the riverside  - a normal occurrence here - after all, the whole riverside is formed by the ancient river bed which was split into different channels and streams over the years. By Monday 16th the river level was down again.

There was overnight frost again on Friday 20th but the day warmed up quickly with foraging birds out in force - notably three or more redwing, many blue ts, great ts, blackbirds calling nuthatches (3) carrion crows, wood pigeons, herring gulls, house sparrows and robins all very active. The same birds were seen on 24th when it had become warmer with dunnock, herring gulls harassing a grey heron flying with prey then four redwing along the river thickets,  two songthrushes, one singing a short song, and a foraging goldcrest in an oak.

On 27th several small groups of goldfinches were seen flying quite fast but not being chased, and there were good views of nuthatches,

Our scheduled meet was held on Sunday 29th observing Lockdown 2 rules, each person working independently. Standing on the bridge I saw a little egret fly north across it just above the trees then land on an oak from where it had a good view down onto the clear river. Sitting very still it is hardly noticed despite its gleaming white feathers. Every winter two or three little egrets fly upstream from the coast as soon as it becomes cold and frosty, seeking warmer waters and sheltered perches to watch out for prey. The larger grey herons are with us all year as their traditional heronry is just upstream on the banks of open water. They are picked upon by herring gulls seeking an easy meal if they can grab the grey herons catch.

A full survey for  26th November is coming on the next post.

 

Survey at the end of October - dark skies , bright fruits

The 30th October 2020 was probably not the best of days to choose for a survey but was typical for this time of the year.

Very low light levels were expected but misty rain early on cleared somewhat and it became brighter but remained overcast. Healthy Ash leaves had been falling and formed a scattered bright carpet whilst Hazel and Hornbeam leaves were turning colour, most remaining on the trees. Under the oaks fallen acorns had ripened and crunched underfoot. The river was high and fast-flowing, the highest it has been since early this year, and water was visible in the ponds.

Crab apples added to the brilliant reds of Rose hips, the fruits of the many riverside Dog Rose plants, some growing incredibly high, an attraction for overflying birds. Spindle plants now suddenly became more visible with bright pink fruits appearing. Honeysuckle was still flowering on an old fence.

A dark sky fails to darken the riverside landscape here with shining red Guelder Rose berries. Note that the old oak in the background still retains its green leaves. October 30th 2020.

Nuthatches (3) were the first birds to be heard today, calling from the old Oaks, establishing territory.

Next were blackbirds (10), some foraging under a young bank side species-rich hedge. The blackbirds were just giving quiet contact calls rather than loud alarm calls until a magpie approached one.

House sparrows (76) were easily seen and heard, some singing in a hedge and about twenty active in a Blackthorn thicket. Further along there was a another colony at the other end of the long hedge, audible from quite a distance. 

 Goldfinches (7) were quietly singing in a low thicket unaware that a foe had just flown swiftly past, making a rapid change in direction, stooping directly down. The group flew up in a closed group, away from the trees. It was a raptor, too small and swift for a sparrow hawk. Later it was seen again, perched for a while on a tree with its back turned, looking over its shoulder - a Merlin?. It hasn't been seen since, having probably returned to fly low over the fields where there are flocks of small birds to chooses from.

Blue ts (11) and great ts (5) were seen in the trees, fewer than usual but perhaps this was due to the brief presence of the small raptor..as large roaming flocks of ts have been seen in the area on other days.

 A Jay was shrieking from an oak, its call by far the loudest, with another nearby answering back. As I walked under a large oak bough yet another Jay called out, and moved along the branch to give a good view of its very smart plumage.(total 3). Robins (23) were now singing in good form after a long summer. The dark grey skies are no problem for them, their large eyes being perfectly adapted to dark days and nights. Four dunnocks were seen, two in undergrowth and two exploring the footpath surface for insects. Most woodpigeons were out in the fields foraging but there were about 32 seen along the river, some dozing in the trees and the rest foraging groups on the damp grass.

A single magpie and a single herring gull were seen flying over whilst carrion crows(6) were calling from trees or foraging on a field.

Finally a song thrush was singing, just a short song at present.

and a large Bumblebee flew past - they are certainly still flying strongly.

These bright red Crab apples will last all through the 

winter as emergency sustenance for birds when most of the more palatable fruits have been eaten.