Wrens – The Fascinating Life of Troglodytes troglodytes
Wrens are confident birds, but difficult to photograph because of their cryptic colouring and speed, and their penchant for the dapple of undergrowth and nooks and crannies, hence their wonderful Latin name,Troglodytes, the cave dweller. They are a relatively common bird found throughout Europe, North America, and much of Asia. They occupy a wide range…
Tawny Owls, Nest Boxes (and Grey Squirrels) …. a year in the life.
It was five years ago that we put up the first nest box in Woodcock Wood designed to attract Tawny Owls. Since then, we have watched, photographed and researched the nesting behaviour of these lovely birds, and are beginning to understand the factors that determine whether they will adopt a nest box and stay with…
Marsh Tits – Observations of a Species Under Threat
Discusses possible reasons for the dramatic decline in the numbers of Marsh Tits in the UK. Records observations of marsh Tits in Woodcock Wood in Kent.
The Dunnock – the Most Extraordinary of Ordinary Birds
The Dunnock is a relatively common British bird, but also one of that rare group of birds in which three or more unrelated adults can collaborate in the rearing of the young.
Finding Active Buzzard Nests
Active Buzzard nests are notoriously difficult to find, particularly as there are usually a number of nests in each territory. The female sits tight during incubation. The male brings her food and defends the territory.
Treecreepers – nesting and nest boxes
In one section in the wood we have cleared much of the coppice to give space and light to a group of oaks. It slopes down to a small gulley and winter stream, and meets the line of mature Corsican Pines that runs along the wood’s eastern border. There is no better place to sit…
Tawny Owls Bathing
We created a small pond in the wood in mid-July 2020. Shortly after, on the 21st July at about 7.30 AM we recorded a Tawny Owl perched on the edge, and then splashing across from the log to the edge of the pond. The impression it gave was less of bathing and more of a…
Buzzards at the Nest – Part 2 – Fledging
A Single Young Buzzard Survives and Fledges Following on from our first observation of the Buzzard’s nest and chicks: https://woodcockwood.com/buzzards-at-the-nest/ 7th July: It was ten days since we had seen the two downy white heads in the nest. We were now confident only one chick remained. On our last visit on the 1st and 2nd…
Buzzards at the nest – Part 1
Watching buzzards at the nest is challenging. Food supply is the critical factor determining how many young fledge.
Nesting and the Long-tailed Tit
Watching Long-tailed Tits build their elaborate nest. The attempt at nesting fails. Following nest failure some birds will go on to help their siblings raise young. How this affects perpetuation of the species.