A Walk with a Purpose

With the typical Monday morning chores out of the way, and the success of the Winter Worky Day on Saturday, we were able to take a walk around the reserve to have a look and prioritise the various jobs which will form our winter work schedule.

As with all reserves the next few months are vital to get undergrowth and the vibrant summer growth of trees and shrubs under control before our cherished plants and habitats are choked out. Together with the general management of the habitats we also have site management to consider, eg. path maintenance, upkeep of equipment, and buildings, etc.

The beauty of these 'walks with a purpose' is that you get to see the various small details such as this Kestrel pellet. Clearly visible are bones of some poor unsuspecting bank vole or shrew. These are a third of the size of the Barn Owl pellets I was dissecting with a group last week, approximately 1” , or 25mm in diameter. 

Returning to the Field Centre, on the outside porch, was this Feathered Thorn Moth, a fairly common sight in the moth trap this time of year, but this one came to the external lights of the centre. 

Glennis is always a good source of photos from around the reserve, as well as informing us of what is around. This Grey Wagtail is often seen by the Lake weir.

A couple of Tree Sparrows were seen on the Field Centre feeders, sadly taken through the glass, but always a good 'spot'. These are not that common here, but Brambling and Redwing are really starting to make themselves known around the site, the latter feeding on the numerous Hawthorn berries.  

With a notepad full we will have to sit down and work out which and when to carry out the various tasks of the coming season.