Catch-up

Since the last post I have been pounding the streets in a fruitless search for Waxwings; combing the slopes and woods of the downs with my newly refurbished binoculars; taking notice of the emerging flora; been staring at my telescope and tripod thinking that it is about time that they are given an outing; and have run the MV trap in the garden (with limited, but welcome success).

Bird-wise it has been quiet. There are still very low numbers of thrushes and finches about (although this superb Fieldfare decided to hang around for a photo-shoot) and I have to admit that it has been disheartening at times. Of course, there have been highlights, with 180 Skylarks still hanging on in the Canons Farm stubble; a gathering of 2,000 Woodpigeons on Ranmore Common, most of which arrived during the first hour of daylight from the south; and three Brambling discretely tucked into a Chaffinch flock at the latter location.

On the plant front the usual winter-flowering suspects have been seen, with one or two 'aliens' to add to the mix, such as the plant below - a Willow-leaved Cotoneaster (Cotoneaster salicifolious). This species can appear as a large and sprawling tree/bush, with long, glossy green upper-leaves. I found this specimen on Epsom Downs, and since then have noticed it in several other localities - I've just been walking past it for years...

My 2024 moth list has limped on to five species, with Mottled Umber, Winter Moth, Spring Usher, Early Moth and Light Brown Apple Moth doing the decent thing. With a pulse of warm air arriving from the Canary Islands in the next couple of days it is acceptable to live in hope of an early migrant!

Comments

Lisa said…
Saw my first waxwings today - there is a flock of them in Bushey Park, towards the Teddington Gate side. This morning they were up in the trees near the turn off towards the Pleasantry cafe.
27 January 2024 at 17:00
Lisa said…
...of course, that should be Pheasantry cafe!
27 January 2024 at 17:01
Steve Gale said…
Excellent Lisa, they are superb birds, aren't they!
29 January 2024 at 18:23
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