A Redwing Day

Sunday, November 11th 2018

The nets were opened as the mist hung around the reserve. I had hoped that it was the right kind of mist to highlight many webs, but only a few were on show. This one was spun on the fence surrounding the heath.

Spider web

Redwings were in abundance and it was not long before the first one arrived in the ringing room. They migrate from Scandinavia as the winter closes in and the berry crop decreases. Once they reach Foxglove they feed on our berry crop, particularly the Hawthorns.

Hawthorn Berries

Redwings are beautiful thrushes and this one looked rather majestic!

Redwing

There were also Blackbirds and Blue Tits amongst the birds caught. A Great Tit ringed in a nest box in Stone Cutters Wood, just outside Foxglove was retrapped. Long-tailed Tits, Goldfinch, Goldcrest and Coal Tits all made an appearance in the ringing room.

Just after lunch the mist had cleared and there was blue sky, showing off the autumn colours around the lake where the Wigeon remained in evidence.

The lake

A check on the walls of the Field Centre revealed several moths, including Winter Moth, Mottled Umber and Angle Shades. The more we work with the moths to identify and photograph them, the more we have learnt which ones co-operate and sit still and which are likey to fly off. Angle Shades nearly always begins to flutter its wings ready to fly off so trying to get an in focus photograph of its patterned wings is almost impossible. I opted for a sideways shot!

Angle Shades

Many thanks to everyone who helped today, despite some drizzle it was rewarding and fun.

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Access to the Reserve: Closed Weds 16th October ONLY, reopens Thurs 17th

Friday 20th September 2024 |

Please note: the reserve is closed on Wednesday 16th October. Regular opening as described below will resume on Thursday 17th.

We are glad to announce that Foxglove Covert is reopening to the general public on Monday 7th October 2024.

A partial fix of the Foxglove Covert access gate has ensured that the safety features (sensors, emergency stop buttons) are now functional. This will allow safe access through the gate.

Unfortunately, the intercom and remote opening system by which the Guardroom normally opens the gate for entry and exit to the reserve is still inoperable. We do not have a timeframe for when this will be repaired.

Entry and exit to the reserve will therefore take place via key fobs which will be issued in exchange for photo ID (driving licence/passport) to visitors when they sign in at the Cambrai Lines front entrance. These fobs can be used to open the gate when entering and exiting the reserve. They must be returned to the front entrance pass office upon exiting the reserve.

Please note access will be limited by the number of fobs available. You may therefore be turned away at the pass office if all fobs are in use at that time. Please only collect one fob per visiting group and ensure you enter and exit the reserve together.

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