Brook Wood Survey

A survey of Brook Wood on Sunday found good patches of marsh flowers and celandines; birds included sparrowhawk (within feet!), greenfinch, mistle thrush, bullfinch - and probably three singing chiffchaffs! However, no blackcaps yet . . . and plenty of seedlings of Himalayan balsam by the stream   - George

Waxwings still around!

Hot news - our Waxwings, or at least a couple of them, are still around Wheelock! - and (we're told) have been all month! They may move around - check your own garden! Here are pictures taken by Roger Foden    (on private land, so location not given):
  

Frogspawn!

Walked the Wheelock Rail Trail and along under Dancing Bridge to Mill Hill Lane over the weekend. Miserable weather but the woods were alive with birdsong, and we caught a glimpse of the buzzard as we headed back up to Crewe Road. Spotted several large clumps of frogspawn and several frogs making more!

Early spring survey

Our survey walk today had 5 walkers. Snowdrops were lovely: St Mary's Wood (viewed from edge) - c5 small patches, heavily ivied. Better in Churchyard (see picture) - one large area, many small. Lesser Celandine leaves along the stream throughout, extensive above Brook Bridge, dominant over c 350 sq metres in St Mary's Hollow, small patches in Brook Wood. More, see Comments  - George

Events soon

Please click the Events tab above for a list of all forthcoming SWWG events (except walks which are listed on right)

Waxwings!

A hot bird sighting! 12 waxwings were in a tall berry bush and are now on wires beside 1 Marriott Road, Wheelock. I can see them as I sit here typing!   - George         STOP PRESS: birds flew, returned and are now gone again though they first let me wheel my bike within 10 yards of them! Watch all tall berry bushes, rowans, crab apple trees and wires around town (waxwings love urban places) for a flock of birds like colourful starlings with spiky crests . . .