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Washing Up

Wednesday, December 4th 2019

Washing up can take a little while as the birds flying into the feeders can cause a very good distraction.  Each species has their own way of feeding.  Great Tits examine each seed they remove, sometimes dropping those they do not like.  Blue Tits can be quite aggressive and seem to spend much of their time chasing other birds away rather than feeding!

Carla is continuing to work on the bird ringing data and needs some photos of birds to add to her presentation.  Consequently I have been on the look out for a Great Spotted Woodpecker, which have been conspicuous by their absence.  When one appeared on the peanuts, the washing up was neglected whilst some photos were taken.

More washing up was attempted but he (the red mark on the nape indicates that this is a male bird) arrived back and sat on the fence.  We all commented on his very muddy beak.

The washing up was completed by Ken - thank you.

There are Mallard on the lake and walking quietly over the bridge they can sometimes be seen on the tree.  I think this female was showing off a little by sitting at its highest point.

Nicola has been checking all our mink rafts and putting out the camera traps.  Unfortunately nothing has been caught on camera - yet.  However she has found a perfect Otter print.  It is most unusual to find the fifth digit in an imprint, but you can see it clearly in the footmarks of the first print.

Colin has been busy making more small bug hotels and bird feeders.  (These would make ideal Christmas Presents.)  Foxglove volunteers have such a varied set of skills and contribute so much to the reserve.  Many thanks to them all.

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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

Damsels and Dragons CANCELLED

Sunday 19th July 2020 | 1.00pm start

The events programme has been temporarily withdrawn. For up to date information this website, FaceBook and other forms of social media should be consulted. If you have donated in advance to secure a place on an event you will be contacted over the next few days and offered a refund. We apologise for this inconvenience.

Have you ever wondered what the difference is between a Dragonfly and a Damselfly? Can you tell the difference between the different species of blue damselfly? Would you like to learn more about theses fascinating animals that have been around since prehistoric times? Join Keith Gittens for a walk around the beautiful Foxglove ponds (some of which are usually out of bounds to visitors) and observe as many different species as you can. Last year, a new species for the reserve was discovered on this event!

Booking is essential as places are limited. There is a donation of £5 per person to be paid in advance in order to secure a place. Payments now can be made on the phone.

This event is free for Volunteers and Friends of the reserve.


Family Pond Dipping 1 - FULLY BOOKED!

Wednesday 22nd July 2020 | 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 of up to six people. 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. 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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The Dragonflies of Strensall and Foxglove Covert
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This book has been published with the aim of enabling people visiting these, immensely important Flagship Pond Sites in North Yorkshire, to identify the dragonflies and damselflies they encounter - by reference to a simple text and photographs. Credits - Yorkshire Dragonfly Group & Freshwater Habitats Trust

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