This female sparrowhawk was in the ash tree on the Fauna path on Wednesday afternoon.
Sparrowhawk
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Monthly Archives: May 2021
Nuthatch in Pony Wood
This nuthatch was in a lime tree in Pony Wood yesterday. I may not be very observant, but this is the first time I have seen, let alone photographed, a nuthatch in the Fairfield Nature Reserve.
Wildlife Surveys
Look out for Dan’s winter bird count and Rob Zlock’s diptera survey on the website. Now follow the link to the surveys directly from the home page.
Recent Sightings
This great spotted woodpecker was hopping around the branches in Pony Wood collecting insects.
This hare was in Flora Field.
This song thrush was shuttling between the ponds in Flora Field and its nest in the hedge at the eastern edge of the field.
The new ponds in Flora Field are proving very good for observing birds which have included swallows, house martins, house sparrows, thrushes, meadow pipits, grey and pied wagtails as well as oystercatchers, ducks and geese.
New black calf
New black calf born yesterday (12 May) evening. As I was passing the field opposite the Hay meadow there was a convention of cattle who had gathered around a new mum to greet the arrival. A very wobbly black calf was being licked and welcomed into the herd.
House Martin
This house martin was repeatedly returning to the water’s edge to collect mud for nest building. The swallows were also using the new pond in Flora Field.
Waterside Birds
By Alder Pond there were two moorhen with young.
By one of the new ponds in the Arable field there was a mistle thrush and also a swallow.
Four swallows were overflying the arable crop. Also, a chiffchaff was singing in an ash tree in Little Wood.
Whitethroats and Hare
At least four whitethroats in the hedge along the pads footpath. They seem to be benefiting from the hedge becoming taller and thicker.
Also a hare in Arable Field.
Steve
Hares
Four hares seen in Flora Field by the hedge near the oak tree.
Volunteer Saturday 8th May 2021
Here is Jonathan’s message
Hello All,
The Fairfield Association’s next monthly Saturday volunteer session will be held on May 8th using social distancing to maintain safety.
People will work in teams of up to six and there will be staggered start times. Volunteers must maintain a two metre distance at all times.
The meeting place will be the Orchard stump circle and not the shed.
To facilitate, expedite, make smooth the path toward and generally help Ian Procter get his head around what arrangements to make, he’ll need to know how many of you are planning to come along.
If you intend to attend, please could you let him know – either at sysaf123@gmail.com or 07811 970595 – by noon, Thursday 6th May.
He will allocate people to teams and start times and inform you no later than noon on Friday. Remember we can no longer provide refreshments so please bring your own.
Two main jobs await your volunteering pleasure on Saturday:
* Cleaning and weeding round the safety surfaces in the playground.
* Continuing work digging out nettles in Pony Wood.
Very best wishes to you,
Jonathan.