Spotting Elusive Wildlife

Lots of animals at Foxglove Covert can be difficult to spot - they might be well camoflouged, really quiet, less active during the day, or just very good at hiding. 

Since the reserve re-opened a few of weeks ago, visitors, volunteers and staff have had some exciting encounters with some elusive hidden wildlife.

Last week some very observent visitors noticed a large nest hidden in the reeds at the lake. On the nest was a Greylag Goose (Anser anser), comfortably curled up with its head tucked under its wing. It didn't move at all while we were watching it from the lake tower hide, so initially it was a little difficult to tell what species was on the nest. A better view was found later in the day from the boardwalks leading to the lake hide, which helped confirm the species.

Image: The upper body and head of a Greylag Goose can be seen through reeds. Thanks to Andrew Atkins for the photograph. 

One species that can often be heard running through the undergrowth but can be difficult to spot is the Common Lizard (Zootoca vivipara). The only reptile recorded at Foxglove Covert, these can often be seen basking on the boardwalks, so long as you approach quietly! Visitors and volunteers over the last week have seen lizards around the reserve, soaking up the sun on logs and crawling through the grass. 

Image: A Common Lizard on a log.

A bird that is not often seen during the day at Foxglove Covert is the Woodcock (Scolopax rusticola). Usually seen at dusk if at all, Woodcock are large, bulky waders which live in the woodland areas of the reserve. Woodcock are generally less active during daytime,  but last week staff and volunteers caught sight of a Woodcock lurking in the woods near Risedale Beck.

Image: Path through the woodland near Risedale Beck.

Keep an eye out for our hidden wildlife the next time you visit Foxglove Covert, and visit the Field Centre to take a look at the observations board to find out what wildlife has been seen on the reserve recently.