Blog No 3 Wild Wanderings

January Mist

Such solace has the power to outlast time, To lock a small bird's elegy in rhyme. Somewhere beyond the January mist, The magic of our landscape still exists.

(Sandra Fowler)

Foxes and Reedies.

I try not to think of it this way but January seems to me to be dullest month of the year. There’s not a lot happening on either the wildlife or the gardening side of things.

I did get out for a walk around the fields on Wednesday. I was hoping to spot a few Hares or Rabbits or maybe even a Muntjac but none showed.

However I do like the patterns that he deep frosts make on the hedgerows and grasses, and the cobwebs are a sight to behold, their intricate ice crystals gleaming and sparkling in the sun like a very expensive necklace

So, this week I have turned my attentions to our visiting Foxes. I have taken several videos and they do look like they are in good condition. Hopefully they will stay that way, and the coming season will be good for them. It about this time of year they turn to mating and I often hear the bark of a dog fox in the still of the night. I have only captured a fight once on video and it was quite a quick affair, with both foxes posturing and goading each other. A sudden coming together was very quick and then one turned and scampered away. All a bit of the ‘Look I’m boss’ sort of thing with no real harm intended.

Last year we did see the Fox cubs, there were two of them, and like most young animals they were really endearing. Most of the time was spent clowning around and generally irritating mum.

The only plus on the bird front was the arrival of several Reed Buntings for the last few days.

The Reed Bunting is beautiful little bird ,and its flittering flight is very diagnostic. Although at first sight it can look similar to a House Sparrow or even a Dunnock, the two flashes of white in its tail when in flight tells you it’s a Reedy. The female is much shyer than the male and may sit in the hedge quite some time before joining her mate on the ground. There are various nicknames given to the Reed Bunting, Water Sparrow ,Black Bonnet, Pit Sparrow and Chink are just few. It’s habitat usually includes bodies of water such as ponds and rivers, where it frequents the waterside looking for seeds and grubs. In the garden it likes all seeds especially Sunflower and Wheat and Barley.

Hopefully soon the Yellowhammers will be back in numbers…..I’ll keep you all informed.

Stay Warm

RJM