Backwards and Forwards
Monday, December 26th 2016
Firstly an update on the ringing data. All the birds to date are in for the year 2016 and 10030 birds have been processed. Included in this total are 1246 Meadow Pipits. We have had many recoveries of 'our' birds, ranging from a Meadow Pipit, to owls and Kestrels and many sea birds ringed during the visits to Cape Wrath. Every single bird ringed adds to our knowledge of the birds that can then be used to help conserve their habitats, be it moorlannd, woodland, hedges or the sea. The bird ringers are fully aware of all the support they receive from other volunteers at Foxglove. Congratulations to everyone for their help during the year.
Going backwards. Plovers Pool was developed at the beginning of the year.
It looked a bit bare when completed.
Having trawled through my store of photographs I can't find a summer one of Plovers Pool, so you will have to take my word for it, that it has greened up and looks as though it has been there for a long time.
The next project was discussed early in the year and plans were finalised by May; our Stone Circle was built a few weeks later.
The next day it looked as though it had always been there.
Many visitors ask where it is and are most impressed having walked around it.
Our busy year was not yet finished as Tony Robinson then came along with the team producing Coast to Coast, to film a 'Big Project'. This was our tree in the lake.
Many volunteers were involved and we could not have achieved what we did on the day without their help and support. The birds appreciated a new place to rest and preen.
The camera at the lake caught a Grey Heron sitting on the tree. Roger sped down immediately but it had flown off.
So what next in 2017? It is the 25th year for CES. The data programme, IPMR, into which all the information is entered is going 'live' (linked straight to the BTO) in April. It is called DEMON - leaves the scribe shaking in her shoes and wondering if she should have a long holiday next year!
If it also Foxglove Covert Local Nature Reserve's 25th year. Our celebratory weekend is 15th and 16th of July. Plans are beginning to take shape.
There are sure to be other projects taking place, alongside the regular events. Flower walks, moth trapping, Bird Song Breakfast, nest box walk, guided walks and school visits, to name but a few, all in the 'everyday life' of our very special nature reserve.
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