September 2024

Small bird numbers on the winter bird food crop seem to be increasing every day 150- 200 were seen on the 3^rd, predominantly Linnets with Goldfinch and other species mixed in. Harry and volunteer Guy burnt up all brash and wood in the orchard.

Our first ever Dragonflies, Grasshoppers & Crickets Walk on the 4th September 2024, led by Harry, was blessed with good weather and we saw a few late Butterflies, Brimstone, Small Whites, Gatekeepers, Meadow Browns. Also several Harvestmen, Wasp Spiders, Long-winged Conehead  Cricket – Conocephalus fuscus,  and Dark Bush Cricket and Meadow Grasshopper. Unfortunately, we did see any Great Green Bush Crickets although there have been several around recently, including in the office. As we walked down to towards the ponds two Grey Heron took off, this was very unusual as we rarely see more than one at a time.  There were a good number of Dragonflies and Damselflies – Common Darter, Beautiful Demoiselle and we saw a couple of Southern Hawker’s chasing each other around.

Heavy overnight rain brought down a small Hazel bough on the Apprentice Path which was cleared on the 6^th. There were around 200 Linnet on the wild bird food crop and some Siskin in the Ash tree near the first field shelter. On the 8^th 150-200 birds, probably Linnet flying to and from the bird food crop which has lots of Forage Rape and Oats. A Barn Owl, probably female, flushed from back of Wildlife Tower (emerged from inside).

In Corner Wood on the 9^th a bat box was retrieved having come down from the tree it was fixed on. There were about 100 Linnet on wild bird food crop, six Stonechat on electric fence wire and two Swallows hawking. Himalayan Balsam was found near the Holly near the first field shelter. Later that day there were two distinct flocks of birds on the crop, about 50 and about 20. Himalayan Balsam plants growing near the top field shelter were pulled. A branch of a heavily laden apple tree by the bee hives in the orchard had snapped and was hanging on. A few others in laid hedge line need propping.  A large flock of Linnet were seen on bird crop again on the 11^th.