Bird Watching

I am delighted to say that formal bird surveys of the Outback have commenced thanks to the very generous offer by Glen Moore who many people, especially those who know and love nearby Chalkley Wood will know.

The monthly surveys will go into the Management and Monitoring Record, and I hope in time to see greater species diversity and an increase in number too.

In the meantime, below are two sets of results. The first a table of the birds I have noted over the course of 2021 over the whole farm. The second is Glen’s survey from December concentrating on the Outback. He spotted a flock of 200 Linnets, we have Buzzards and at least one Woodcock that we have both ‘put up’ in the Outback as we walked around. Clearly it likes the current soggy conditions that it can paddle around in!

It is interesting that as soon as the winter solstice passes there is an immediate increase in bird song which is just wonderful to hear. I have been outside on these unusually warm January days, enjoying the sun and the bird’s song is glorious, though I do worry they may be too early!

We can all help survey our birds. The RSPB need to know if you have very few birds as well as from people who have many garden visitors. Over a few days, the 28^th to the 30^th of January you can take part in a one-hour bird watch, either online or ask for their pack which also helps you identify what you are looking at. To help our birds we need to know how well they are doing so give it a go.

www.rspb.org.uk The Big Garden Birdwatch