January 2011

The new year came in on the tail end of the coldest period of weather for many a year. Wildlife will have suffered but the clearing snow re-opens opportunities for birds and animals to feed.
The rare waxwing can still be seen by those lucky enough to stumble on a party feeding on the berries of hawthorn, rowan or any other tree still bearing a crop of inviting fruits.
Large flocks of fieldfare roam the fields and woodland edges, giving away their presence with loud ‘chack chack’ calls. These winter visitors from Scandinavia may be joined by redwing distinguished by bright chestnut flashes along the flanks. Both are handsome birds, welcome visitors at this quiet time of year.
Blackbirds have returned to the litter amongst hedge bottoms, scratting about looking for food items. Robins take advantage of the disturbed ground along with dunnocks and tiny wrens who flit down from their wall hide-holes.
A short walk to the woods along the valley top will give sightings of many birds scouring the trees for tid-bits. Parties of long tailed tits pass through, their constant contact calls keeping each member in touch with the rest. Mouse- like treecreepers climb the bare trunks, scouring the nooks and crannies before flying to the bottom of the next tree. Always upwards, upwards.
Great spotted woodpeckers make their way across open sections with their characteristic bounding flight, calling as they go. Great tits, blue tits and coal tits can also be seen with the occasional striking looking bullfinch making an appearance.
Now the ground has cleared of the deep carpets of snow badgers will be out and about again looking for food. Look out for their diggings on grass verges and along field sides where their distinctive five-toed prints might be seen in the soft excavated ground.
For those brave folk willing to take a short walk after dark it is worth noting that we are in the middle of the foxes breeding season. Listen out for the eerie screaming mating calls that ring out across the fields, sounds that generations ago gave rise to rumours of roaming witches and ghouls. The hoots of tawny owls and rustles of things moving about in the dark add to the atmosphere.
Who needs television.