Hi all, its Bailey again! Winter is nearing, and as the days draw colder and shorter, big changes are occurring across all our reserves. There are new fungi to see, different birds to hear and probably a few puddles to avoid (or not!). Winter brings a different feel to The Lodge and Fowlmere. There is something for everyone, and we have lots in store for you over these wintery months.
For all you avid birdwatchers out there, or for those who are maybe newer to the hobby, the winter months bring great changes to the birds you can see. All of our summer migrants will have now left the UK in search of their winter homes, and some birds have a longer journey than others. While this can be sad at times, we aren't being left without birds to see. Our winter migrants have been making their journeys over to the UK after their summer holidays abroad. Birds such as Redwings and Starlings have been making their way back to UK soil recently.
Starlings are actually present in the UK year-round, as there are resident populations who stay with us all year, but in winter they are joined by their migratory friends. These two groups of starlings mix into huge flocks over the winter and if you're lucky enough to be in the right place at the right time, you could be witness to one of nature's great spectacles: a starling murmuration! This is where tens or hundreds of thousands of starlings take to the air in a massive flock, swooping and diving in unison. Eventually in the summer, the migratory starlings will begin their long journey back across Eastern Europe, while the residential populations will stay and breed.
Birds aren't the only animals who have been getting prepared for winter. Most terrestrial reptiles and amphibians will try to hide away, finding refuge where they can in warmer places like under logs, in burrows or other hidden places. Reptiles will enter a state of hibernation, where they slow their metabolic processes down to effectively ‘power down’ for the winter. While hibernating, the animal isn't actually sleeping the whole time, they simply slow down their body to conserve energy.
Natterjack toads are only active during the warmer months of the year (usually March-September), and will find shelter under mud and log piles for winter. They are also a very threatened species, and are heavily protected across the UK. This makes our small population of natterjacks present at The Lodge extremely important. We have to take special care when working in and around the natterjack ponds and must keep them as well maintained as possible.
We will soon be opening our new Robin Robin Adventure Trail, in celebration of our partnership with Netflix and Aardman Studios last year. At The Lodge, your inner robin will be tested in a series of small challenges as you follow our seasonal trail. Follow the podiums dotted around on the Buzzard and Seasonal Trails to find out how you can be the best robin possible. Robin Robin activity packs can be picked up for £3 each at either the shop or Visitor Information Centre.
We look forward to seeing you at The Lodge and Fowlmere soon.
Images courtesy of Ray Piercy & Aardman Studios.