Nature never really follows our human description of the
seasons, so if you are thinking that the days are getting shorter and there is
a long winter ahead take heed in the fact that for some animals on the reserve
they are entering spring and setting up breeding territories. Tawny owls which
are resident owls, and breed in the reception wood, have been calling during
the day recently. Calls which are made to establish territories and secure
mates, ready to start breeding. Foxes are also establishing their territories
by scent marking and on a still winter’s day, this noticeable scent can be
detected as you walk round the reserve. Breeding is certainly on their mind!
Bird sightings of note this month include large numbers of
pink footed geese, 300+ being seen feeding on adjoining stubble fields. These
are probably birds that are feeding down on the Humber estuary and then heading
inland over the high tide period. Other wildfowl of interest have been up to 12
whooper swans that have been seen on both the “O” and “D” reservoirs and a long
tailed duck on “D” res. Numbers of goldeneye, widgeon and teal are building up
across the reserve. Smaller winter visitors; brambling, siskin and lesser
redpoll, have been spotted using the reception hide feeders.
