Hugh’s News – December 2017

The snow and sleet that many of us experienced over the last week or two was confirmation, if it were needed, that winter has truly arrived. With the harsher conditions, birds are visiting the feeders in larger numbers, and they may become reliant on these food supplies.  It is great to feed the birds in your garden, but be careful about suddenly stopping as this may put them at risk of starvation, if alternatives are not readily available.

Blackcaps, almost certainly from the continent, have been reported in gardens already, with our own breeding birds departing for southern Europe. Short-eared Owls and both Hen and Marsh Harriers are still being spotted regularly from locations such as the Harp Inn, Parkgate or Denhall Lane.  Blackbirds and other thrushes hunt out berries and fallen apples.

A reminder that the 2018 Big Garden Birdwatch is coming soon, from 27-29 January (or as near as possible to these dates). Here are a few tips to help you:

1. Be prepared – fill your feeders and refresh the drinking water.

2. Start early – the early bird really does catch the worm!

3. Get comfy with pen and paper, drink, snack at hand.

4. Use the RSPB website to report your findings; or use the form in Nature’s Home.

5. Share the experience, and get your friends interested.

This will be final Hugh’s News of the year so, on behalf of the Committee, I would like to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

I thought I had to end with a seasonal Robin photo – sorry it was not in the snow!!

Hugh Stewart