NATURE NOTES As much wildlife watching now is likely to be through a window, our quieter gardens may bring into view some rarer species searching for much needed food. Watch for sightings of migrant thrushes such as Fieldfare and Redwing, often seen together flying in flocks and sometimes feeding on decomposing apples in gardens as berries become harder to find.
beneficial to wildlife. Compost heaps generate warmth enabling many small creatures to survive harsh weather if left intact until spring. Redesigning garden features can result in disruption for hibernating slow worms, newts and much insect life.
Fieldfare
Slow worm
Redwing
Siskins and other small finches appreciate sunflower hearts and the tiny, hard to spot Lesser Redpoll, often flying with them, will sometimes visit garden feeding stations especially if nyjer seed is offered. At this time of year, leaving our gardens undisturbed can be more
Any accidentally exposed reptiles and amphibians should be returned or relocated into similar environments away from hungry predators. Stacking bundles of any cut plant stalks or hedge clippings together with heaps of fallen leaves at the base of a hedge will provide shelter for many invertebrates and small animals. Voles are active throughout the year and, although mainly nocturnal, you may see them taking advantage of spillage from bird feeders. If we care about wildlife, we shouldn’t forget foxes, badgers and the sometimes unpopular members of the crow family, 49
