Autumn at Blewbury Nature Reserve

It is now November and autumn on the Reserve. Leaves come in a range of colours and there is a

fine crop of hips, haws and sloes.  Bird wise it is relatively quiet, the most obvious signs of

life being roaming flocks of long-tailed tits and twittering groups of goldfinches seeking out any

remaining seeds in the stands of teazel.  Blue and great tits are active and there are churring

wrens and peeping dunnocks low down in the vegetation.  Robins are singing, laying claim to

their winter territories.  Another bird in very good song now is the song thrush.  Most species sing

strongly throughout the spring months and then fall silent during summer (probably worn out by

domestic duties) before starting up again early the following year.  The song thrush tends to

regard November as the time to recharge its batteries, making for a fully rehearsed repertoire

ahead of the breeding season. 

This is also the time to look out for winter visitors.  Redwings are arriving from their summer

homes in Scandinavia and piling into the hedgerows to refuel on berries after their long flight.

(See photo with kind permission of William Lester). 

They should soon be joined by that other winter thrush, the Fieldfare.  Fortunately, the Reserve has plenty to offer both species in terms of food and shelter.  On a recent visit, I encountered a small party of siskins - another winter visitor to this part of the country.

But what of the local breeding birds?  How have they fared this year?  I am happy to report that

the Reserve's key species, whitethroat, linnet and yellowhammer, have again all bred

successfully.  There were at least four whitethroat territories and three yellowhammer

territories.  Linnet breeding numbers are more difficult to assess, owing to the more social

behaviour of this species.  However, there were numerous sightings involving linnets collecting

nest material, carrying food and feeding fledglings.

Other species recorded on the Reserve or nearby during the breeding season include kestrel,

woodpigeon, stock dove, green woodpecker, great spotted woodpecker, pied wagtail, blackbird,

mistle thrush, blackcap, chiffchaff, magpie, jackdaw, starling, chaffinch, greenfinch and corn

bunting.  Red kite, buzzard and sparrowhawk were among species frequently sighted overhead.  A

lesser whitethroat was present for part of April but unfortunately decided against staying.  Yellow

wagtails were absent this year.  Although spotted elsewhere in Blewbury, they were not tempted

by the Reserve.  This was probably down to the weather.  The spring was very dry, and yellow

wagtails are often attracted by puddles. 

Martin Latham