Many of our winter birds have already arrived, with two Bramblings, eight Fieldfares and 30 Redwings seen at Nagshead today! The Bramblings were feeding on Beech mast with three Hawfinches and a small flock of Chaffinches along the main forestry track between Campbell Hide and the heath area. Redwings were feeding frantically on Holly berries around the long trail and a small flock of Crossbills were around the heath. Birds migrating over the reserve have included Skylarks, Meadow Pipits, Linnets, Redpolls and Fieldfares all heading southwest. We are currently in the middle of the Fallow Deer rut; a roaring buck can be heard most mornings from the short trail / lower hide area.
RSPB Nagshead Visitor Centre, October 2011 (Photo: Lewis Thomson)
Our programme of winter work parties are well underway, including coppicing at Highnam Woods for Nightingale habitat and giving the visitor centre at Nagshead a much needed lick of paint. The visitor centre is now looking fantastic with a new sedum roof and all power coming solely from the solar panels.
As ever, the winter practical tasks are made so much more achievable and enjoyable by our team of dedicated volunteers and we are very keen for new volunteers to join us. If you fancy giving us a hand then please do come along - all are welcome, whether experienced or new to practical work, we will always find something for you to do! Being in a beautiful woodland, making friends, getting fit and learning about nature conservation - is there any better way to spend your free Wednesdays?! Please see the full winter schedule below and contact us on 01594 562852 or email us at nagshead@rspb.org.uk for further details.
Work party dates:
Nagshead 10am-3pm
Highnam Woods 10am-3pm
2nd November
16th November
7th December
21st December
4th January
18th January
1st February
15th February
29th February
14th March