Walk on the wild side

 Today we met representatives, Laura and Lucy, from the local Wildlife Trust for a walk round the farm and to discuss the options for attracting even more wildlife.  Apparently it was registered as a County Wildlife Site back in 2009 acknowledging its value for wildlife although there is no requirement for any particular management . 

We noticed the deer tracks and evidence of badger (latrines dug into the soil) so I must put out a trail cam when the weather is suitable.  We saw several hares whilst we walked the site and disturbed a snipe!   First one Ive seen this year and another tick for the farm bird list. 

It was suggested we could encourage turtle doves by scattering seed in certain areas, cutting down some of the vegetation round the ponds may encourage kingfishers and the reed beds could provide ideal habitats for sedge and reed warblers. I am looking forward to the summer!  

Whilst we were there I refilled the bird feeders which were empty once more and within a couple of minutes there was much twittering and fluttering of wings as the small birds (blue tit, great tit, long tailed tit,  robin, greenfinch, goldfinch and chaffinch all put in an appearance) feasted on the sunflower hearts.  I also put a large slice of tree trunk beneath and scattered seed on top for the ground feeding birds but was very surprised to see long tailed tits take advantage of it!  

  long tailed tit

spot all three tits!

                                                                            great tit

long tailed tit

blue tit

female chaffinch


 


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