Redpolls, Siskins and Blue Tits!

Saturday, February 20th 2021

The back garden at Foxglove is always teeming with small birds. At this time of year large flocks of Redpoll visit to feed on the nyger seed feeders (where they hang upside down) and on the ground underneath the large wooden hoppers. A female ringed in August 2020 was controlled (caught by another ringing group) in October 2020 in Sheffield. It had flown a distance of 116km in 72 days. This bonny looking adult male was ringed recently.

Siskins also frequent the nyger seed feeders and can appear in large numbers during the winter months. The males are very bright and have a dark head.

Whereas the crown of the females is grey-green in comparison. A Siskin that was ringed at the reserve in April 2019 was captured by a ringer on the 14th February this year in West Berksire. This bird had therefore travelled a distance of 334km during a period of 680 days!

Alongside these colourful finches are the usual garden birds such as Coal Tits, Great Tits, Robins, Chaffinches, Bullfinches and of course a real favourite Blue Tits!

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Friends of Foxglove

The Friends of Foxglove Covert is for those individuals, families and organisations who would like to support the reserve through an annual membership subscription. Friends receive a regular newsletter and invitations to attend our various activities and social events.

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Upcoming Events

Family Pond Dipping 1

Wednesday 28th July 2021 | 45 minute sessions on the hour

Come along and find out which animals are living in some of the Foxglove ponds. Book a pond dipping session for your family bubble. There will be a socially distanced brief to set you off and then you can use the equipment for the remainder of the session. You will be requested to use hand gel on arrival and the net handles will be cleaned between sessions. Please call the Reserve Managers on 07754 270980 to book your allocated slot. You are advised to arrive 15 minutes before your allocated time.

Booking is essential. A donation in advance (card payment by phone) of £5 per family bubble is required in order to secure your booking.

Family Pond Dipping 2

Wednesday 4th August 2021 | 45 minute sessions on the hour

Come along and find out which animals are living in some of the Foxglove ponds. Book a pond dipping session for your family bubble. There will be a socially distanced brief to set you off and then you can use the equipment for the remainder of the session. You will be requested to use hand gel on arrival and the net handles will be cleaned between sessions. Please call the Reserve Managers on 07754 270980 to book your allocated slot. You are advised to arrive 15 minutes before your allocated time.

Booking is essential. A donation in advance (card payment by phone) of £5 per family bubble is required in order to secure your booking.

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