It was a cold, crisp and frosty morning that I decided to venture out into the magical woodland. With a slight crunching underfoot, it’s amazing to think how the reserve changes. All around you can see that the leaves have just a little bit of added sparkle. The sun glistened through the trees and you could hear the frost melting (perfect!) So off I went on my mini adventure, have a look to see what I discovered...
Dipper - Strolling down to the bridge I took a minute to admire the sights and sounds. But after stopping for what only seemed like a few minutes, something caught my eye. Just in the distance I could see a bird bobbing up and down on a rock. Could it be the allusive dipper? It was! I tried to sneak to get a closer glimpse, but unfortunately it flew away. Since I started at Coombes, this has been the first time I have seen one here. These birds will be feeding on the vast array of insect larvae found in the Brook. Did you know they can spend up-to 30 seconds underwater? So keep your eyes peeled...
Dipper by Tom Marshall (RSPB Images)
Fox Footprints – What does the fox say? Well as it turns out not a lot, but wherever you walk their are signs to be discovered. Although I have seen foxes on the reserve – today was not the day. But simply looking for their tracks is exciting! Foxes do not keep to regular trails. A fox track is very dog-like, but far more compact. The print has four digits with the outer two curved towards the inner ones. There’s plenty of mud out there, so take a look – you don’t know what you will find.
Common Toad – Whilst walking along the Woodcock Trail, I had a warty encounter. Although not quite Mr. Toad of Toad Hall, it was enjoying the moist conditions along the brook. Probably taking up shelter in the log piles – a fantastic home for them. Giving nature a home is simple visit http://homes.rspb.org.uk/ for more information. They secrete an irritant from their skin that prevents most predators from wanting to eat them. Isn’t nature clever? No wonder they can live for almost half a century.
Common Toad by Ben Hall (RSPB Images)
Goldcrests - After taking five minutes after the climb up Buzzard Bank, I heard a faint sound. It was the sound of a couple of goldcrests, picking off insects from the plants. They are the smallest songbird we have in the UK. Weighing in at between 5-6g, this is about the same as a 5 pence coin! Odd then that such a tiny bird chooses to build its nest at the top of some of the tallest trees. Look out for the striking crest colour - orange in males and yellow in females.
It’s amazing what you can find in a couple of hours. Plus you can still see our winter migrants: fieldfares and redwings going about their business. After your adventure take a well deserved break on the viewing platform. You’ll be treated to blue tits; long-tailed tits; nuthatches and if your really lucky a sparrowhawk! So with this weekend looking sunny – what’s stopping you coming on your own adventure..?
Cloughmeadow by Carl Capewell