Owls and more!

Wednesday, June 8th 2016

Today visitors to Foxglove enjoyed an Owl-themed session, run by Glennis. Owl pellet dissection is often seen as a kid’s activity, so it made a nice change to go back to our childhood roots for an adult-only owl pellet session. We learnt about the different owls that are found in our local area, and then everyone was given their own owl pellet to dissect.

Once we had all separated the bones from the fur, we were able to identify the creatures that the owls had been eating. From the skulls and bones found, we were able to determine that ours had eaten a selection of Voles, Shrews, Frogs and even a bird. All of the bones below came from just one Barn Owl pellet!

Wednesdays are also Moth day and despite being wet overnight, the trap had a good range of moths this morning. Afterwards we completed a few more nest boxes on and off the reserve - this ringing of chicks is a seemingly endless task at this time of year. Linked to the theme of the day, the nicest nest box was the final nest of Tawny Owl chicks, which are quite late and have only just grown big enough to ring. In a nearby woodland, we did a Redstart nest. The chicks are unbelievably well camouflaged into their nest! It is difficult to believe that this is actually six chicks!

Thanks to Glennis for running today’s session. It was very much enjoyed!

(0) Comments:

There are no comments for this blog post yet. Why not start the discussion? - use the form below:

Back to Top

Help Support Foxglove

Friends of Foxglove

The Friends of Foxglove Covert is for those individuals, families and organisations who would like to support the reserve through an annual membership subscription. Friends receive a regular newsletter and invitations to attend our various activities and social events.

More Details

Upcoming Events

Access to the Reserve: CLOSED Except for Organised Events & Groups

Monday 20th May 2024 |

The reserve is temporarily closed to the public except for organised events or groups. This is due to faults with the Foxglove Covert access gate. Entry and exit must be coordinated and at set times due to these faults.

Please see below for organised events. Booking is essential, as attendees will be contacted with access arrangements ahead of the events.

If you would like to arrange a group visit to the reserve please contact reserve staff.

September Wildlife Wander

Monday 16th September 2024 | 2pm-4pm

Join reserve staff for a guided walk around Foxglove Covert as the reserve transitions from summer to autumn. Spot late flying dragonflies, early emerging fungi, the last of the blooming wildflowers, and more!

2pm-4pm.

Donation of £3 per person. Free for Friends of Foxglove. Booking essential.

Due to faults with the Foxglove Covert access gate, entry and exit will be coordinated and at set times. Booked attendees will be sent access arrangements via email prior to the event.

VIEW ALL EVENTS