Birds and other
wildlife recorded in December 2025
Quite
a short list this month –perhaps a reflection of both human and avian
behaviour!
A
Common Pheasant was unexpected – though they are to be found roaming nearby
fields. Red Kites were commonly seen and heard. Another overhead sighting was
Black-headed Gull. Stock Dove and Woodpigeons were fairly common – a flock of
over 13 of the latter was found on the 17th of the month. Great-spotted
Woodpeckers were about and were heard drumming, usually a territorial
sign. Dunnocks and Robins were fairly
frequently recorded. Song Thrushes were heard singing on several occasions and
their Scandinavian cousin the Redwing was also encountered.
Goldcrests,
one of the UK’s smallest birds was fairly frequent, especially near the larches
and conifers. Other regulars were Wren, Great Tit, Coal Tit (not all that
commonly found), Blue Tit and Long-tailed Tit. Nuthatch was fairly frequently found, and
Treecreepers were also about – very hard to see as they merge into the tree
bark with their camouflaging brown-grey back.
The
corvids were regulars – though no Rook was recorded. Jackdaws were frequent, as
were Jays and Carrion Crows. A group of 4 Magpies was found on the 11th
feasting on a dead Rabbit. No Starlings
or House Sparrows were recorded.
Finally,
to the finches: Chaffinch, Redpoll, Goldfinch and Greenfinch.
The
only mammals recorded were unsurprisingly Grey Squirrels and Rabbits (live
ones!)
Please
send in your sightings! It is very important to record the wildlife in the
wood. I’m shortly to compile the whole list for 2025 but now keep your eyes and
ears open for 2026!
