OUR AIM IS TO PROTECT OUR NATURAL ENVIRONMENT AND THE HABITAT IT PROVIDES FOR WILDLIFE ALONG THE RIVERSIDE
Heavy overnight rain showers preceded our Meet on 24th April leaving the earth fresh and vegetation damp, perfect for foraging birds which are nesting all along the banks and riverside trees. Common birds were all seen and heard: Nuthatch, Blackcap, Robins, Blue ts, Great Ts, Dunnock, Chiffchaffs, Blackbirds Song Thrush, House Sparrows and Woodpigeons. It was agreed, comparing notes, that at least one Red Kite is now an established visitor to our area, flying in from the West across the A24. Common Buzzards and Kestrels have been around for many years.
This Crab Apple tree has produced fruits since it was planted a
few years ago and surprised us with its late ripening bright red fruits
much loved by Blackbirds. a reliable source of sustenance in late
winter when food is scarce. Last autumn fruits were taken very fast by
winter migrants due to a general scarcity everywhere but Blackbirds
were still finding fruits high up in this tree in spring.
It has much more blossom this year and was the first tree to flower.
With the good weather this year came the litter, dropped at random by picnic
groups, walkers and those taking exercise. However the turnout to deal with
the problem was excellent and pristine verges were left to the butterflies,
particularly Orange Tips at present, with their food plant, Cuckooflower, flowering
very well so far this Spring.
Please note that our May meet will be held a week early, on Sunday 22nd May 2022
to allow for extended holidays and Jubilee celebrations at the beginning of June.
No comments:
Post a Comment