Friday 11 April 2014

Recent Herts Patching (2nd-4th April)

2nd April

I've been trying to get into the habit of using Birdtrack a little more, particularly with the breeding season now upon us, it's very important to enter all possible, probable and confirmed breeding statuses of anything you encounter.  I find noting singing birds is the easiest way to assert a possible breeding code so I'm glad to report that singing Grey Wagtail, Blackcaps, Chiffchaffs, Chaffinch, House Sparrow, Robin, Great Tit, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Green Woodpecker, Skylark and Wren are all already on the patch possible breeding list for the year.  Long-tailed Tits were observed carrying nesting material (probable breeding) and the Cetti's Warbler was once again singing heartily every 10 mins or so from the canal side which was also visited by a Kingfisher.  Also along the canal was a Red-eared Terrapin sunning itself on a log and I came across this Ruby Tiger caterpillar sunning itself by Nash Mills.

Red-eared Terrapin

Ruby Tiger

Raptors included 4+ Red Kites, 3+ Buzzards, a Kestrel and 1 Sparrowhawk whilst butterflies included Small Tortoiseshells, Peacocks.

3rd April

Much the same as the past two days with the singing Yellowhammer on the farmland behind the RSSKL, Red Kites and the highest count yet of local Meadow Pipits numbering at 47+ birds!  Stock Doves were also much in evidence as were the odd Small Tortoiseshell and Peacock.

4th April

Fields behind the RSSKL had 3 Yellowhammers singing, 4 Red Kites, 2 Buzzards, 1 Sparrowhawk, 3 Lapwing, 62+ Stock Doves and a Muntjac.


Yellowhammer

I was also rather upset to see a fox-trap in the back garden of the house at Middle Farm (unfortunately trapping seems to be a legal practice but I'll keep an eye on it to make sure it isn't misused).

baited Fox trap at Middle Farm :(


It was encouraging though to see at least one surviving Little Owl still remaining on patch as I've been failing to locate more and more as I fear they are dying out in the area.

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