Spring life

Not much time to report recently but while marshalling a sponsored run on the Rail Trail I enjoyed watching the two local Buzzards soaring in display over the brook valley yesterday, obviously in response to two other Buzzards who were passing over much higher above. Also between Wheelock station and the bypass some nice Sweet Violets are in flower, paler than the common species.  - George

Winter Walk

An SWWG committee walk through Brook Wood generated some interesting ideas yesterday. Yet it was even nicer to see about 45 redwing flying around, and hear the robins in full swing, as well as calling bullfinch and grey wagtail. There are already hazel catkins growing and spring is not far away!  - George

Birds about!

At last week's family event (below), 15 sorts of bird were counted, including two Goldfinch overhead. Today many birds are moving. Having already (on the Environment Trail blog) recorded 29 Lapwing and 5 Buzzards flying towards Brook Wood, I headed down valley to see if the Buzzards or more birds were there. At both ends of Brook Wood were parties of Long-tailed Tits. Not only did I see these, I probably saved a life! At Townfields I had just started listening to them when a big female Sparrowhawk flew up, with great views, and away! Oops - no breakfast for her here today!  - George

Saturday 29th Brook Wood Family Event

It started out as a beautiful autumn morning and there were plenty of birds flitting around the woods; which means I'm sure it won't be long before the plentiful supply of bird feeders that were made are being put to good use!

Another popular activity was putting up the bird boxes that had been built at the Eco event in the summer.
This included the children using a compass to ensure the boxes were facing the optimum direction...

During the morning the weather deteriorated and we had a little rain so we spent some time huddling under the gazebo...

But it didn't dampen anybody's enthusiasm for artwork and we had a real gallery by the end of the event, some of it from the youngsters, some from the young at heart!!!

Look out for our next family event early in the New Year.

Saturday 29th October Brook Wood Family Event

SWWG are holding another family nature event in Brook Wood, accessed via Townfields. between 10 and 12 on Saturday 29th October.

Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian for the duration of the event.

All activites are free.

Confirmed so far: a guided walk suitable for children, making bird feeders, natural arts and crafts.

More details closer to the event.

Look forward to seeing you there.

Julie

On the trail

A cheerful party of walkers today set out to walk along Brook Trail from Brook Bridge, but had not left the stone parapet of the bridge before they realised it was crawling with ladybirds and their nymphs. Unhappily most appeared to be the invasive Harlequin Ladybird, though one native Seven-Spot was among them. Further on there were distant glimpses or sounds of Jays and a Grey Wagtail. Near Dancing Bridge one of the valley's rarer flowers, Water Chickweed, was still in flower  - George

Autumn and Brook Wood walk Oct 2nd

By popular demand another walk has been arranged for Sunday 2nd October along the new Brook Wood path and further if desired. Please see panel on right for more details. The summer insects and flowers have gone, so bring your binoculars and think birds!  - George