The first winter Thrushes have arrived. Paxton Pits Nature Reserve exists because of the sand and gravel being quarried here for many decades. Aggregate Industries have been working to the north and are now about to start the next phase in the privately owned arable fields, which, when they have finished, will become a reed bed in the extended reserve. Marsh Harriers, which only visit us occasionally should be breeding here in years to come.
A walk around to see what is happening and to look at what management work needs doing using our volunteers, always brings some interesting sightings in the changing seasons. When we saw the first Redwing, we knew there must be more around. They never seem to stay long in one place, in search of their berry food. A lovely pale coloured fox trotting up in front of us and then disappearing into the undergrowth. Even the squirrel sightings were interesting, as one of them was black.
There were still some Dragonflies to be seen. There were several Common Darters, somewhat losing their red colour.
Sociable Long Tailed Tits stay together as a family during most of the year, so when we saw 20 together, I wondered how many 2nd cousins there were in the group.
I expect you may have seen photos of Long Tailed Tits huddling together on a branch to stay warm overnight. Have you ever wondered where Blue Tits roost? Last night, we went out to look for Bats. Marie, who is licensed to investigate roosts, shone a torch up some Bat boxes. No Bats to be seen-they were too busy out finding food-instead in a couple of them, there were Blue Tits! I am not sure how they wedge themselves in and hang on!
You never know what you are going to see. Louise had a close encounter with a Muntjac, as this photo shows. If you see any interesting wildlife on the reserve, please let me know at friendsofpaxtonpits@hotmail.com .
