On the Wildside: A busy time for the smaller birds
In gardens, parks, and local woods, the business of survival for smaller birds is never ending. Indeed, as spring gradually arrives, some birds are starting to gather nesting material and actively setting-up and defending would-be territories for breeding and raising summertime broods, whilst others are preparing to depart as migrants to their breeding grounds.
It is not always clear-cut as to which category the birds are in. So, this week I had my first visitation of the year by a small flock of siskins – a delicate and beautiful cousin of the larger greenfinch. These may be visiting migrants from northern breeding areas or perhaps local birds that may breed in the region.
The former might soon be heading north many hundreds of miles, and whilst the latter will perhaps head out to conifer woods and riverside alders in the Peak District or the fringing countryside of the South Pennines. Only time will tell, but either way it is a treat to have them back even if just for a short time.
The greenfinches are now back in good numbers and in recent weeks, there have also been occasional bullfinches with their soft ‘hooweet’ calls, and both are joined by a pair of nuthatches and now a pair of great spotted woodpeckers. All are drawn to the sunflower hearts and the suet dumplings and suet bars. In the woodland close by, the song thrushes are singing loudly.
In the garden, or at least overhead, excitement was provided by a loud, harsh croaking of a grey heron with its slow, ominously heavy flight and no doubt in search of easy pickings such as a neighbour’s goldfish.
Even more exciting at the time, was a common buzzard which, on a foggy day, seemed to be close to landing in the old oak tree. It was hard to say, but it did seem to drop down just a few gardens away and where a neighbour has some quite large conifers. I have seen it there previously, and wonder if the dull, cloudy weather gives it more confidence.
Professor Ian D. Rotherham, researcher, writer & broadcaster on wildlife & environmental issues, is contactable on [email protected]; follow Ian’s blog (https://ianswalkonthewildside.wordpress.com/) and Twitter @IanThewildside