A Request and ...

The results of the 2013 CES season have been published.  (These can be viewed on the BTO web site.)  We have been asked to write an article about the CES record we have at Foxglove Covert.  If you would like to read more about our successes during CES over the last 21 years, it is reported on the blog of 1st September 2013. 

However this blog is not about facts and figures.  The article requires photographs and so an enjoyable time was had searching through the many that have been taken over the years.  These are just some of them.

Tawny Owls are calling loudly and will soon be taking up residence in their nest boxes.

This juvenile Great Spotted Woodpecker was a late arrival on the scene this year.  Is he one of the three that are frequenting the back garden?  They come to feed on nuts and enjoy the food in the fat containers.  

Nightjars had been heard calling in July.  We were just a little surprised that it arrived in the ringing room!  We hope that they will return next year.

Bramblings have been seen on the reserve but none have been caught yet.  Hopefully it will not be too long before we can see these beautiful winter migrants in the ringing room.

And finally the Long Tailed Tits.  These tiny birds fly onto the feeders, especially those just outside the kitchen window.  They are always on the move and flitting from feeder to feeder.

Many thanks to all the bird ringing volunteers who, at times, arrive at Foxglove at 0400 or some days, stay late ringing and then checking all is well.  Thanks also to Tony, who after each session, has to deal with all the data and ensure it is sent to the BTO.

Habitats have to be looked after, net rides need to be maintained, feeders filled, cups of tea made and cakes baked.  None of this would happen without the reserve managers and the volunteers who work hard throughout the year.

Many thanks to all our volunteers.