Date: 8th October 2023
Time: from 9:15 a.m.
Weather: dry, sunny, light wind, 15°C to 17°C
This was my first visit to the site since 21st August 2023.
It was a lovely sunny autumn morning but not unexpectedly it got off to a slow start given that spring and summer peak wildlife activity is well behind us now.
However, it eventually turned out to be an excellent visit with some notable sightings.
With regard to birds, the highlight, amongst a small total number of species recorded, was a calling Chiffchaff heard but unseen in the hedge between the storage shed and the Eastfield Road entrance and another silent individual seen foraging in the bushes adjacent to Meadow Pond.
In addition, I saw a fly-over and calling Pied Wagtail at Meadow Pond, my first record for 2023 and taking the total for the year to 36 species.
The most conspicuous bird was Robin with many birds singing across the reserve albeit few actually seen. Singing has been evident for some time now following the completion of the breeding season and the Robin is one of very few UK species where both males and females sing, especially at this time of year when winter feeding territories are being established.
The warm and sunny weather prompted some records of late butterflies. The area around Meadow Pond produced sightings of at least 3 Red Admirals nectaring on the same plant for around 30 minutes plus a single Speckled Wood and 2 Large Whites. The bushes adjacent to the southern boardwalk produced sightings of a single Small Copper and a single Speckled Wood whilst there were further single Speckled Woods around the storage shed and between Thorny Wood and the Spanish Steps. Whilst the Red Admirals appeared to be in good condition, the Small Copper and especially the Speckled Woods were very worn.
The bushes adjacent to the southern boardwalk also produced a sighting of a single perched Common Darter.
Unsurprisingly, given the time of year and the abundance of acorns, Grey Squirrels were very conspicuous right across the reserve and I saw 10 animals in total.
Species recorded during this visit were as
follows (heard only records in italics):
Site totals for 2023 to date (2022 totals in brackets):
Total species list for the site:
#DefendNature
No comments:
Post a Comment
If you feel like commenting on my blog, you can contact me by completing the comment form below. I will respond to all comments and enquiries and constructive criticism will always be welcomed.