Nature Notes September 2022

Date Published: 08-10-2022

The weather was mixed throughout the month.

SIGHTINGS
Birds: Common Gulls, Black-headed Gulls, Carrion Crows, Sparrowhawk, Magpies, Jays, Buzzards, Tawny Owls, Wood Pigeons, Stock Doves, Nuthatch, Treecreeper, Green//Great Spotted Woodpecker, Robins, Blackbirds, Song Thrushes, Dunnocks, Goldfinches, Greenfinches, Chaffinches, Siskins, Stonechats, Chiffchaffs, Wrens, Coal/blue, Great, Long-tailed Tits.
Insects: Midges, Buff-tailed Bees, Wood Lice, Common Green Grasshopper, Craneflies, Wasp Spider, Garden Spider.
Mammals: Roe Deer, Fox, Grey Squirrels, Hedgehogs, Pipistrelle Bats.
Dragonfly/Damselfly: Emperor, Small Red.
Plants (in flower/berry): Cranesbill, Low growing Gorse, Ling Heather, Bell Heather, Cross leaved Heather, Holly berries, Rowan berries, Ivy seed heads.
Butterflies/Moths: Small White, Large White, Speckled Wood, Peacock, Large White.
Pond Life: Whirlygig Beetles, Pond Skaters.

Many Chiffchaffs were spotted passing through the site on the start of migration.
Tawny Owls were heard calling.

NATURE FACT
The Stonechat is a heathland bird resident throughout the Winter, albeit feeding on the much reduced numbers of insects at this time of year.

Recorders: C. Wilcox K. Wilcox

SITE MANAGEMENT
The work party cut back Gorse and Birch in the area bordered by the Redwood Drive entrance and Cedar Way. Damaged chicken wire was replaced on the boardwalk planking.