What was seen in November?

What was seen in November?

Leslie Price 

Winter is on its way. With temperatures falling and the weather changing. It’s a marvellous time to head out and spot the seasonal wildlife on offer at Brockholes. Here are some of our top wildlife sightings from November.

To start this cold November at Brockholes, we saw the much beloved lone female smew return to meadow lake, to the delight of many of our resident birdwatchers. A small jay was also spotted diving between the trees in Boilton wood, and quite amazingly we have seen a marvellous tree creeper traversing tree surfaces with ease. 

Starling Murmuration

Fran Taylor

Throughout this month we have also witnessed one of nature’s great wonders return to Brockholes, in the shape of the starling murmurations. These resplendent visual demonstrations have been viewed on numerous occasions, as dusk descends and the communal roost begins, to the pleasure of our many visitors. In addition to this seasonal delight, one regular character has also continued to captivate, as Kevin the resident kestrel has been spotted regularly soaring high above the sky in resplendent fashion. Rather wonderfully it also appears that Kevin has another friend, as a juvenile kestrel has been observed perched high up in the trees.

Bank Vole among the leaves

Catherine Ingham

The crisp and cold weather has done little to discourage our regular Brockholes visitors, as it has been noted that a Cetti's Warbler has been heard filling the air with its resplendent song around the edge of Meadow Lake. A group of green sandpipers have also been sighted wading amongst the water and reeds in their distinctive fashion, on one of their rare winter visits. Meanwhile the wonderfully inquisitive Bank voles continue to scurry among the leaves and woodland as they prepare for the harsh winter to come.

Herb Robert

Pat Atchison

With the descent of the cold and damp weather we have also seen the return of a plenitude of fungi and flora, which is present throughout our wide expanse of woodland. This wondrous natural occurrence adds to any walk or ramble, as the woodland floor transforms into a tapestry of colours and textures. One particularly exciting find was Herb Robert which has emerged in abundance throughout Boilton Wood and the surrounding area.

Goldcrest

Kay Ingamells

Finally, although the weather has taken a turn for the worse it is worth noting that if you wish to visit Brockholes in these colder months. It is certainly not devoid of a splendid splash of colour, as both Goldcrests and Blue Tits have recently been seen flashing around the reserve.