Brilliant Birds!

Today visitors came from as far away as Leeds to enjoy the Foxglove Covert Brilliant Birds event. This was an Easter holidays activity for children, giving them the opportunity to learn all about birds and the work we do with them at Foxglove. The children enjoyed a walk around the reserve with Roger, to look at some of the birds that use the various habitats on the reserve. From the hide they were able to get good views of the wildfowl on the lake using the scope.

As a change from the bird theme, whilst out and about they were also lucky enough to get a glimpse of the water vole enjoying an apple on the feeding platform.

Afterwards the children tried their hand at creating their own bird nests, constructed with grasses, mosses and twigs in the trees. Their challenge was to create a nest that was stable enough to hold small chocolate Easter eggs.

Back at the field centre, the bird ringers were on hand to demonstrate bird ringing techniques. They were able to see a variety of birds being ringed and released, including this Jay.

They then learned how to make origami birds in the classroom with Jennifer.

In addition to all the bird related activities, Wednesdays are moth recording days, and some of our volunteers identified all of the moths found in the moth trap. This Water Carpet Moth was particularly well camouflaged when released.

Another attractive moth was the Powdered Quaker.

Many thanks to those who helped out with the event today.