Nature Notes January 2023
Date Published: 01-02-2023
Several weeks in January were cold and frosty with very low temperatures. Wildlife on site was scarce
SIGHTINGS
Birds (seen or heard): Carrion Crows, Magpies, Jays, Buzzards, Black-headed Gulls, Herring Gulls, Tawny Owls, Sparrowhawks, Green/Great Spotted Woodpeckers, Wood Pigeons, Stock Doves, Nuthatch, Treecreeper, Wrens, Robins, Blackbirds, Song Thrush, Goldcrest, Firecrest, Dunnocks, Greenfinches, Chaffinches, Goldfinches, Female Blackcap, Stonechat, Siskins, Coal/Blue/Great/Long-tailed Tits.
Mammals: Grey Squirrels, Fox.
Plants in flower/Berry: Common Gorse, Holly, Ivy, Cotoneaster.
Fungi: Birch Polypore.
Insects: Buff-tailed Bees.
Large flocks of Wood Pigeons were seen flying over the Reserve.
Due to the majority of Holly berries having been taken last Autumn by Blackbirds, no visits by Redwings or Fieldfares were reported.
The Bird Box Survey was completed in Autumn 2022 with the following results: 18 were used; 3 nests started, but not completed; 14 were not used; 3 boxes missing; 4 original boxes to be replaced; 2 boxes to be repaired. The Owl box is to be replaced after one more nesting season.
NATURE FACT
Ingenious adaptations are shown in Winter by some hibernating mammals, such as Hedgehogs and Bats. The surplus food they so feverishly gather and devour in Autumn is converted into a thick layer of brown fat which produces a third as much energy per gram as normal body fat. To enable it to tap this source slowly through the Winter, the Hedgehog drastically reduces its heartbeat and breathing rate so that up to 15 minutes may elapse between successive breaths. Simultaneously, its blood thins to prevent clotting and its body temperature drops to near that of its surroundings. If the Hedgehog becomes too cold, it automatically shivers to generate a little extra heat. A mild spell in mid-winter can prove fatal, spurring hibernation into energy-sapping activity and leaving them with depleted fat stores if freezing conditions suddenly return.
Recorders: C. Wilcox & K. Wilcox
SITE MANAGEMENT
Two work parties were held concentrating on carrying out clearance of young scrub to help maintain firebreaks as well as restoring valuable heathland habitat.
