Nature Notes from a Leftfield
I am responding to the article about Mrs Yarham's nature notes who it was always a pleasure to come across when out and about. I thought I'd offer a few thoughts about the year to date from an amateur nature watcher/rambler.
You will no doubt recall the uncharacteristic cold winter and this was highlighted by a rare visitor that normally ventures no further south than Scotland. A black throated diver was spotted by numerous twitchers on Holkham Lake and this sleek, attractive bird was a pleasure to see. Also noted were large numbers of goldfinches gathering together late in the day and making a lovely sound. Whilst travelling was often difficult, it was always possible to enjoy the delights of a ramble amidst surroundings transformed by the reflected brilliance of the snow.
We are fortunate to be located in the Wensum Valley with it's tributaries and networks of lakes/meadows and woodlands that are rich in varied wildlife. Many groups of bird/animals provide opportunities to view a constantly changing environment. The species vary with the changing seasons and each day ventured out provides a chance to encounter something new and different.
Of course some species do not seem to exist in the numbers as previous, e.g. the skylark is declining. But, go off-road and it is still possible to enjoy the exquisite beauty of the ascent and song of this bird which defines a perfect summer's day. My own favourite, the peewit is particularly scarce which makes the occasional sighting even more rewarding.
It is always comforting to welcome the swallows, swifts and the like to confirm the arrival of summer and watch the fledglings develop. The lakes like Swanton Morley and Holkham display a variety of youngsters of the various geese/ducks and grebes. This year I seemed to notice more common terns which I presume nested here. These are the most elegant and streamlined of birds which swoop and catch fish with great aplomb. Of course, a flash of brilliant turquoise may introduce a kingfisher which always raises the spirits. Random and welcome occurrences such as the sighting of a big fluffy tawny owl chick or egrets and marsh harriers in the Worthing area provide extra interest.
There are many forms of deer in evidence and even badgers and otters for those who can put in the effort to track them down. Also there are various schemes to help to regenerate the river system and preserve fish stocks which are worth keeping up to date with. A word in favour of anglers, who are not to everyone's liking but who do generally act as front line conservationists and alert authorities to problems.
Whilst rambling, don't miss the chance of a bit of foraging for nuts/berries/fruit and mushrooms to complete the experience. To complete my account and round off the year, a couple of weeks ago I noticed raptor like calls in woodland up Gibbet Hill, Hoe. Two birds were noticed circling afterwards to be joined by another but I was unable to identify them. A week later, the EDP published an article which had identified these birds occurring locally that day as ospreys en route to Africa for their hols. Only 148 breeding pairs existed in the UK at the last count so the sighting was quite a treat. Ramble on!
TL
You will no doubt recall the uncharacteristic cold winter and this was highlighted by a rare visitor that normally ventures no further south than Scotland. A black throated diver was spotted by numerous twitchers on Holkham Lake and this sleek, attractive bird was a pleasure to see. Also noted were large numbers of goldfinches gathering together late in the day and making a lovely sound. Whilst travelling was often difficult, it was always possible to enjoy the delights of a ramble amidst surroundings transformed by the reflected brilliance of the snow.
We are fortunate to be located in the Wensum Valley with it's tributaries and networks of lakes/meadows and woodlands that are rich in varied wildlife. Many groups of bird/animals provide opportunities to view a constantly changing environment. The species vary with the changing seasons and each day ventured out provides a chance to encounter something new and different.
Of course some species do not seem to exist in the numbers as previous, e.g. the skylark is declining. But, go off-road and it is still possible to enjoy the exquisite beauty of the ascent and song of this bird which defines a perfect summer's day. My own favourite, the peewit is particularly scarce which makes the occasional sighting even more rewarding.
It is always comforting to welcome the swallows, swifts and the like to confirm the arrival of summer and watch the fledglings develop. The lakes like Swanton Morley and Holkham display a variety of youngsters of the various geese/ducks and grebes. This year I seemed to notice more common terns which I presume nested here. These are the most elegant and streamlined of birds which swoop and catch fish with great aplomb. Of course, a flash of brilliant turquoise may introduce a kingfisher which always raises the spirits. Random and welcome occurrences such as the sighting of a big fluffy tawny owl chick or egrets and marsh harriers in the Worthing area provide extra interest.
There are many forms of deer in evidence and even badgers and otters for those who can put in the effort to track them down. Also there are various schemes to help to regenerate the river system and preserve fish stocks which are worth keeping up to date with. A word in favour of anglers, who are not to everyone's liking but who do generally act as front line conservationists and alert authorities to problems.
Whilst rambling, don't miss the chance of a bit of foraging for nuts/berries/fruit and mushrooms to complete the experience. To complete my account and round off the year, a couple of weeks ago I noticed raptor like calls in woodland up Gibbet Hill, Hoe. Two birds were noticed circling afterwards to be joined by another but I was unable to identify them. A week later, the EDP published an article which had identified these birds occurring locally that day as ospreys en route to Africa for their hols. Only 148 breeding pairs existed in the UK at the last count so the sighting was quite a treat. Ramble on!
TL
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