Lots of Birds

Sunday, February 17th 2019

Ringing was in doubt, even as the bird ringers arrived at Foxglove. The forecast said strong winds and driving to the reserve the ringers had noticed boughs bending in the wind. When we arrived there was just a gentle breeze and conditions were suitable to raise the nets.

The numbers of birds visiting the garden feeders has varied very much over the last week, from being full of birds both on the feeders and on the ground to almost none anywhere. Net rounds returned many birds and the range of species was pleasing. A tiny Goldcrest was ringed. This is a male bird as can be seen by the orange feathers on its head.

Goldcresr

Next in size was a Lotti - a Long-tailed Tit. These birds flit into the feeders outside the kitchen window and sometimes stay for only a few minutes before heading off again.

Long-tailed Tit

Not many Bullfinches have been recorded over the winter but several visited the ringing room. This beautiful male had a clean beak, which is more than could be said of some of the Bullfinches we handled.

Make Bullfinch

And then a surprise, several Brambling were caught. These winter migrants are on their way north, having spent the winter here.

Brambling

Siskin, Redpoll and Blackbird were processed in amongst the Blue, Great and Coal Tits.

Thank you to everyone who helped today.

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Foxglove Covert Local Nature Reserve is now OPEN

Monday 4th November 2024 |

The security gate and it's safety features are to be working, so we're reopening to the public.

However the intercom and remote gate opening system is currently non-functional. Entry and exit to the reserve will therefore take place via key fobs which will be issued to visitors when they sign in at the Cambrai Lines front entrance. These fobs can be used to open the gate when entering and exiting the reserve. They must be returned to the front entrance pass office upon exiting the reserve.

Please note access will be limited by the number of fobs available. You may therefore be turned away at the pass office if all fobs are in use at that time. Please only collect one fob per visiting group and ensure you enter and exit the reserve together.

Please check the FAQs for further information on entrance procedures.

https://foxglovecovert.org.uk/about/frequently-asked-questions/