December 2013

Winter has arrived, we often leave work in the dark to the sound of nearby Tawny Owls screeching. Amongst the windy, rainy days we have enjoyed some crisp sunny days. On these welcome days we have had some fantastic bird sightings. Just outside the Visitor Centre on several occasions we watched a female Black Redstart hopping around our classroom ramp occasionally flashing its red tail. They are often seen on autumn passage on the south coast, and occasionally overwinter. These robin size birds are of conservation concern and as a result are an amber status bird. Dartford Warblers are making their presence known on Bindon Hill by their skulky, scratchy call. Four species of raptor have been frequently seen on Bindon Hill; a pair of Kestrels, Sparrowhawk, Buzzard, and Peregrine. Outside the village Fieldfare have been seen flying over calling ‘Gak, gak’ as they raid the countryside for berries. Other birds to mention are Stonechats, Linnets, Meadow pipits and Starlings; their acrobatic aerial displays a spectacle as the sun sets.

We are still seeing Red Admiral on sunny days around the village at this time of the year nectaring on flowering Ivy or rotting fruit. Overwintering of this species has increased in the south in recent years.

We have chosen Holly as the shrub of the month, which given the chance will grow into a small tree, it certainly adds a splash of colour to the hedgerows in the village and brightens up homes during the festive season.

.