Here is this week's recent sightings blog, written by one of our fabulous volunteers Kez:
With this year being quite mild, many of the trees in Coombes are still holding onto their green leaves, but yellows, oranges and browns are starting to appear in the canopy as you look across the valley.
Coombes Valley by Rachel Coyle
There have been some wonderful wildlife encounters this week that remind you that these woodlands are teaming with life right throughout the year. The other day some of the team were treated to a show by a flock of redwings, as the shy birds flew over the education barn. A few days later one of our warden interns, Becky, managed to count a mixture of 87 fieldfares and redwings as they flew above the visitor centre, although they were to high up to distinguish exactly how many of each there were.
Often, you will simply be walking around when nature will surprise you with something unexpected. Perhaps a shrieking shrew attempting to warn you off if you venture too close, as some of the staff experienced recently. Or an alert male fox caught grooming himself in Clough meadow, with his enormous, upright ears lit up by the evening sun.
Also in Clough meadow, long tailed tits have been seen flitting round the cottage. These birds have a fascinating family life that doesn’t stop once the chicks have fledged the nest. In winter flocks of around 20 birds will search for food together- these flocks will be made up of parents, offspring and other relatives that helped raise the chicks whilst in the nest, it’s a real family affair!
Long tailed tit by Steve Brown
So, with autumn fast approaching, and the leaves soon to fall off the trees, it’s the perfect time to go for a walk around the reserve. Keep your eyes and ears open, maybe stop for a break on a bench in Clough meadow, and you never know what amazing encounter nature could have in store for you.