November ends with a winter migrant from the south

OUR AIM IS TO PROTECT OUR NATURAL ENVIRONMENT AND THE HABITAT IT PROVIDES FOR WILDLIFE ALONG THE RIVERSIDE

 Our meet on 29th November 2020 took place with activities reduced according to Lockdown 2 rules  - not really a meet or a gathering but each person working on their own task.

The weather was cloudy and cool with no wind, dry but very damp and muddy underfoot. The river was running well with levels back to normal after high levels two weeks before when there was water out of bank in places on 15th November.

The winter migrant was a Little Egret which did not have far to fly, coming from the south coast. There are usually two or three which make their way north when the weather turns cold and frosty on the wetlands near the south coast. Foraging is easier along the warm inland stretches of the river with mature trees and high banks providing protection. (see summary for November on Hills Farm Wildlife Conservation ).

Earlier in the month the bright pink of the fruits of the Spindle tree began to brighten the banks.

The robins have already established their territories - usually one robin to one spindle tree or perhaps a pair. The trees are closely guarded until no fruits remain.