Brian P found a Long-tailed Tit nest from last year, and brought it to the ANW spring meeting for us to see. The covered dome-shaped nest, around 4-6 inches in diameter, which has a small entrance hole, is made almost entirely from moss and lichen, held together with spider's web, and lined with feathers. This makes it remarkably strong as well as being very flexible, allowing it to stretch to accommodate the growing brood. Quite a feat of engineering.
17th April 2022 - Andy M took an early morning walk along the Roman Road, east of Worsted Lodge recently. Many Cowslips, an abundance of pink Crabapple blossom, and several species of farmland birds were seen in the morning sun.
March 2022 - Esme L and her mum Karen got the chance to accompany two licensed bird-ringers from the BTO, early one morning in a Hertfordshire woodland. It was an amazing experience, watching how the birds are harmlessly caught in a fine mist net, then carefully weighed and measured before having a small metal ring, carrying a unique number, attached around their leg, before finally being released. Ringing birds in the way, over many years, has helped the BTO track how birds move around their environment, and monitor their populations.
Esme was able to see several bird species up close, and to handle some of them. A truly inspiring trip, which one day may lead to Esme training to become a bird-ringer herself.
17th April 2022 - Polly M found this Ten-spot Ladybird in her garden - only about 3-4mm long - with its characteristic yellow and black patterning.
A day or so later, she also found a Harlequin Ladybird, which unusually has a number of differently-coloured patterns within the same species.
10th April 2022 - Spring is coming and the birds were starting to become much more evident, singing for their territories, and mates, along the Old Railway Cutting. The first butterflies and bumblebees were also starting to appear in amongst the early flowers.
18th April 2022 - John T saw a Kestrel flying above the cricket field carrying a prey item, possibly a rat, and captured this lovely photo.
