Nature Notes October 2023
Date Published: 01-11-2023
Heavy rainfall dominated the weather throughout the month.
SIGHTINGS
Birds (seen or heard): Herring Gulls, Black-headed Gulls, Carrion Crows, Jackdaws, Magpies, Jay, Buzzards, Sparrowhawk, Tawny Owls, Great Spotted Woodpeckers, Green Woodpecker, Wood Pigeons, Stock Doves, Collared Doves, Stonechats, Siskins, Nuthatches, Treecreeper, Firecrest, Goldcrest, Wrens, Robins, Blackbirds, Dunnocks, Greenfinches, Chaffinches, Goldfinches, Chiffchaffs, Coal/Blue/Great/Long-tailed Tits.
Mammals: Grey Squirrels, Fox, Hedgehogs, Badger, Wood Mice,
Pipistrelle Bats, Saprano Pipistrelle Bats.
Plants (in flower/berry): Rowan, Holly, Ivy, Oak, Common Gorse.
Insects: Wasps, Wood Lice, Species of Bees, Ants, Midges, Garden
Spider.
Butterflies: Peacock, Large White, Speckled Wood.
Dragonflies/Damselflies: Small red, Broad bodied Chaser,Southern
Hawker.
Pond Life: Whirlygig Beetles, Pond Skaters.
Fungi: Fly Agaric, Bay Bolete, False Chanterelle, Sulphur Tuft, Conifer Tuft, Brown Rollrim, Douglas Fir Cone Mushroom, Snowy Inkcap, Cowpat Gem, Common Rust Gill, Hairy Bracket, Fragrant Funnel, Rosy Russula, Turkey-tail, Bovine Bolete, Puff Balls.
The majority of summer migrant birds departed during the month with only
Chiffchaffs being spotted on site.
Recordings of Bats tailed off towards the end of the month.
A Firecrest was seen in the undergrowth at the western end of Hazelwood.
Fungi appeared throughout the month due to the mild, wet weather.
NATURE FACT
Woodlice are crustaceans, isopods, related to crabs and lobsters and have been living on dry land for over 50 million years. Woodlice are recognisable for their seven pairs of legs, which are attached to the main part of the body. The head has eyes, a pair of antennae and the mouthparts for biting and chewing. At the rear end of the body is a short section with special limbs used in respiration.
Recorders: C Wilcox & K Wilcox
Firecrest Image by K Wilcox
