Remember our guest blog from a few weeks ago? http://www.rspb.org.uk/community/placestovisit/coombeschurnet/b/coombeschurnet-blog/archive/2014/05/28/taking-a-stroll-along-the-woodcock-trail.aspx
Ben has returned since then, what more has he seen?
I have become a relatively frequent visitor to what has temporarily become my local reserve. I live in Basingstoke but work from time to time in Stoke-on-Trent. In the evenings, I have a bit of therapy at Coombes Valley.
One of the comments I hear from other visitors is “I didn’t see much”. The trick for spotting wildlife at Coombes is to simply relax; don’t move and let it come to you. My other piece of advice is to visit regularly because there is something different to see each time.
What I have noticed is the great variety and occasional dominance of certain species. For example the nation’s population of great tits seemed to descend on Coombes Valley the day of my last visit. A couple of years back I remember the day of the chaffinch and before that a cluster of jays, we usually never see more than one or two where I live.
Great Tits in a Silver Birch
I began this visit at the feeders to set up my camera, I was only there for a minute or two and saw a nuthatch, a great tit and a chaffinch. As I made my way down the main track there wasn’t much about, but further down towards the stream I spotted a pied fly catcher and think I caught a glimpse of a red start.
Nut Hatch at the Feeders
What I did see on my way down was a notice that I found quite concerning. Apparently some individuals have been approaching far too close to nest boxes and in some cases disturbing them in a bid to gain photographs. I am firmly of the belief that, in order to truly appreciate wildlife, one leaves no more than a shadow.
Many of the species breeding in Coombes Valley, or anywhere for that matter, have enough of a struggle with day to day life as it is. The pied fly catchers have enough on their plate keeping woodpeckers at bay, let alone photographers lifting the lid on their carefully selected nest box. I work on the basis that firstly, I’m a complete amateur so I leave it to those specialists authorised to scientifically access and record the creatures, and secondly I would have mega hump if someone lifted the roof off my house to take photos of my kids! Besides the images on television programs like Springwatch are better than anything I could hope to produce.
When it comes to photography I’m a keen though hopeless amateur and the real thrill for me is gaining an “opportunist” image; being in the right place at the right time. The majority of the time I will leave a reserve with memories alone, but now and again I leave with an absolute cracker of an image. Come to think of it the difference between me and the opportunist buzzards above my head is that I take a photograph and not a meal.
The best advice I’ve ever received is, “never put your camera away,” and they were right. As soon as it goes back in the rucksack a tawny owl appears for a spot of taunting...they know, I’m sure of it. At home red kites hang around, circling over head until they see the lens and then they’re gone.
Blue Tit in the Old Cottage
Back to Coombes Valley; I thought I would take a short walk along the Staffordshire way but it rained heavily the night before and was very muddy so I turned back and loitered around the old cottage where I found a blue tit living in the wall, a squeeze but very secure. Further along a nuthatch had done a similar thing and made a home in an old woodpecker hole near the bridge. I’ve read that they build the sides of the entrance up with mud to reduce the size of the opening though this one looked quite large. Unfortunately this is a dreadful image taken at distance in low light.
Nut hatch at Home
The time came to head for home, a four hour run back to Hampshire but another great afternoon at Coombes Valley. It’s hard to describe but bird song in the evening is something else, and how do chiffchaffs hide so well? They’re masters of camouflage, I reckon one was right over my head but could I find it. Frustrating or what!
Short intermission while I watch Mr Spikey, my resident hedgehog, potter past my office window and under the shed, if he gets any bigger he’ll be taking my shed for a walk around the garden!
Nice Evening View across the Valley
On the way back to the car I spied a pair of bunny ears not overly well camouflaged amongst the buttercups, it should’ve taken lessons from the chiffchaffs.
Bunny Ears
What a great place this is! The thing that makes Coombes Valley such a haven for wildlife and an opportunity to experience nature in its fullest are the endeavours of the staff and volunteers. I for one really appreciate their efforts.
Steve, Coombes volunteer
Many thanks to all at Coombes Valley, now where’s my shed gone!
Ben