3 minute read
Wildlife Chris Sperring MBE
A New Year challenge –and thank you!
IT is so amazing when someone responds, having attempted one of my wildlife watching challenges, so a huge “well done” to Andrew Harrison, of Keynsham, who successfully completed the task I set to find treecreepers. He not only managed to find them, but took some excellent photos!
As we start the new year, birdlife is at the heart of this month’s article. If it’s cold enough, wildlife will be going through a sort of reboot; of course, if it’s mild then some species that we are more familiar with during spring and summer may well venture out as the conditions force them to wake and find food that won’t be available to them yet.
So, yes, a long cold snap may not be what we want, but for some species it can have a real positive effect in literally shutting them down or, dare I say, locking them down for a long period of time. For other species, such as small birds, then we really can become their saviour if conditions remain cold. When we feed the birds in our gardens, we offer them the opportunity to get through the harshest of winter weathers, a chance to survive to make it through to the next nesting season.
Let’s be honest, producing new birds in the spring is now more critical than ever as we witness many small bird species declining across the UK. Obviously, there is another side of the argument: by feeding the birds during harsh conditions are we just interfering with nature. Are we, for example, helping those to survive that just don’t make nature’s grade for success?
It’s a dilemma I often think about. Another aspect highlighted in a recent study is: are we favouring certain species by supplementary feeding that makes others more vulnerable because we make the aggressive species more dominant?
Of course, the risk of disease from dirty feeders has and continues to be a big issue. The latest issue associated with this is the well-publicised bird flu outbreak. There is little risk to humans from bird flu but it’s always best to avoid direct contact.
When you’re cleaning your feeders wear protective gloves and always wash your hands thoroughly. Here’s a great
link to the RSPB advice on cleaning safely cleaning bird feeders: https://www.rspb.org.uk/our-work/rspbnews/rspb-news-stories/keep-yourgarden-birds-healthy/ Don’t forget it’s really important that By CHRIS SPERRING MBE if you find a few dead birds in the same place please do not pick them up or touch them; instead contact the DEFRA Helpline on 03459 33 55 77 for further advice or assistance. So, would you enjoy another wildlife challenge? During January, go out into your garden just after dark and listen out for the screams of foxes. This can be done in rural or urban areas. This is the time of year when foxes can become very vocal. They can also be heard barking, with a longer, drawn-out bark than the average dog’s. If you have a smartphone, try recording it and send it to me via text (small file please). Happy New year to one and all. l The next free, monthly walk at the Hawk and Owl Trust’s Shapwick Moor nature reserve will be on Friday, January 13th starting at 10am. Please book via https://shapwick.hawkandowltrust.org Nighttime owl walks are on-going. Please contact me direct for more information.
One of Andrew’s treecreeper photos Chaffinches on a bird feeder Blue tits are regular visitors
