Nesting birds

Saturday, June 24th 2023

The nesting season is the busiest time of year for members of the Swaledale Ringing Group as they monitor hundreds of nest boxes at Foxglove and around the wider Catterick Training Area. The data is collected as part of the British Trust for Ornithology's (BTO's) Nest Record Scheme. This helps to provide important information on the breeding success of British birds.

Great Tits, Blue Tits and Coal Tits are the main residents in the small boxes. When the chicks are old enough, they are fitted with a BTO metal ring and the data generated helps to increase understanding of bird survival, movement and productivity.

Other species that use the nest boxes include Redstarts. This species is a summer migrant found in deciduous woodland. This chick is just beginning to grow its stunning red tail feathers.

Pied Flycatchers also use some of the boxes. This adult female has returned to breed after wintering in West Africa. This species feeds on insects which they catch in mid-flight.

Thank you to everyone who has helped with checking, ringing and scribing!

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Upcoming Events

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/