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.

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 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.

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,

Fieldfare

Redwing Slow worm

Bank vole

including carrion crows, jays and magpies. These are all important members of the food chain and perform an essential role in ‘cleaning up’ the countryside.

There are few moths on the wing now, most overwintering only in other life stages, however the striking Angle Shades moth, clearly identifiable by Its unusual outline and beautifully patterned wings can still be seen.

The December moth, on the wing from October to January, is possibly our hardiest species and has even been observed flying in snowstorms.

Magpie Angle Shades moth

Gill Nash

POETRY PAGE Rossetti’s ‘The Pageant’ concluded

Rossetti’s text for A Pageant included a cast of ‘personifications’ (the months) to be played by boys and girls, along with stage directions - here we include only those necessary to follow proceedings. This is the text for the final month, December.

November: Ah, here's my

youngest brother come at last: Come in, December.

(December enters, loaded with evergreens in berry)

Come, and shut the door, For now it's snowing fast; It snows, and will snow more and more; Don't let it drift in on the floor. But you, you're all aglow; how can you be Rosy and warm and smiling in the cold?

December: Nay, no closed doors for me,

But open doors and open hearts and glee To welcome young and old.

Dimmest and brightest month am I; My short days end, my lengthening days begin; What matters more or less sun in the sky, When all is sun within?

(Begins making a wreath as he sings)

Ivy and privet dark as night, I weave with hips and haws a cheerful show, And holly for a beauty and delight, And milky mistletoe.

While high above them all I set

Yew twigs and

Christmas roses, pure and pale; Then Spring her snowdrop and her violet May keep, so sweet and frail;

May keep each merry singing bird, Of all her happy birds that singing build: For I've a carol which some shepherds heard

Once in a wintry field.

As December concludes his song, all Twelve Months emerge, join hands in a circle, and begin dancing as the Curtain falls.

THE END