Following the dark nights and the freezing conditions of the UK winter, the first signs of spring are starting to appear in our hedgerows and gardens. Birds herald the arrival of the new season from the bare branches of trees, whilst lower down at ground level and poking through the cold damp earth soon will be the snowdrop, crocus and daffodil. Snowdrop Standing … [Read more...] about Snowdrop, crocus and daffodil – signs of spring
Birds
Heron fishing as river thaws
Our local Heron grabs a chance to feed as the icy waters of the Eden start to flow again. Over four weeks of below freezing temperatures resulted in our rivers freezing over for the first time in many years. Waterside wildlife such as this heron will have struggled to feed during this time, so the the last 24 hours of thaw have been a welcome break for birds and … [Read more...] about Heron fishing as river thaws
RSPB Big Garden Bird Watch
The annual RSPB Big Garden Bird Watch takes place in the last week of January. Make a note in your diary for the 29th and 30th of January - All you need to do is watch for one hour. Log on the the RSPB website to pre register. You only need to register once, regardless of how many times you submit. There is even a handy bird identification and record sheet which you … [Read more...] about RSPB Big Garden Bird Watch
Red Kites doing well in Cumbria
Red kites, reintroduced into the Lake District earlier this year, are doing well according to the Forestry Commission. Reports indicate that they are thriving and are spreading out around Cumbria and further afield. Iain Yoxall, Forestry Commission wildlife ranger at Grizedale Forest who managed the reintroduction, said: “As far as we can tell the birds are doing … [Read more...] about Red Kites doing well in Cumbria
Sparrows get drive-through food
Sparrows in an East Cumbrian town have found a unique way of finding food. Cars arriving at the Co-Operative store in Kirkby Stephen are given a close inspection by the resident sparrows on the search for bugs. In a sort of drive through food outlet for birds, flies and other insects are removed by the birds whilst the car driver goes for the shopping. Around a … [Read more...] about Sparrows get drive-through food