May is the month where most of our summer visiting birds arrive. Sadly once again we haven't seen Pied Flycatcher, Redstart, Wood Warbler or Redstart arrive. This is despite all the nest boxes.
We do have Garden Warbler, Whitethroat and plenty of Blackcap, Willow Warbler, Chiffchaffs and of course Swallows.
Siskins put in an appearance mid month but have moved on as have any Redpolls that were lingering.
Squirrels and their young are numerous in the woods and at the feeding station. A large brown rat can also be seen feeding on the ground. We may have to stop scattering seed on the ground for a while.
Now the warmer wether is upon us insects are more active with many butterflies being seen around the estate. Dragonflies and Damselflies won't be far behind.....
18th April 2009
These mallard ducklings were on Coppice Pond. Also on the water were three Tufted Ducks and the usual mix of Coot, Moorhen and Canada Geese.Elsewhere in the woods were several Chiffchaff, Willow Warblers and Blackcaps, all recent arrivals for the summer. There were also a scattering of Siskin throughout as well as a pair of Redpoll.
Recent sightings from B.Nield
Below is an email sent by B.Nield after his first visit into St.Ives Estate.
Hello, I had a trip up to St.Ives Estate yesterday & had a walk around the
coppice pond area & a long sit in the new observation area. There were 30+ Canada Geese, 20+ B.H.Gulls, 15+ Mallards, 6 coot & a Moorhen on the water, unfortunately getting severly harrassed by Dogs jumping into the water after them.
At the feeding station:
Robins:5, Not fighting just all feeding in different areas together.
Dunnocks:3, Same as Robins not fighting.
Pheasants:1M & 1F, very shy but male came out when it was quiet.
Wood Pigeons:6, Mega shy usually came out when no people in hide. Managed
2 when on my own. Great Tits:8+, Blue Tits:3, Coal Tits:6, L.T. Tits : 2's & occasional party of 5. Nuthatch:3 at one time. Chaffinch:1 lonely female. Treecreeper:1, had a good look around the trees at the station on 2 occasions. Sparrowhawk:1, only a fleeting glance against the sun, so no way to sex. Blackbirds:2 pairs, again no fighting all feeding together. I also saw a wood mouse nip out for a few seeds & there were 6
Squirrels at one time.
Hello, I had a trip up to St.Ives Estate yesterday & had a walk around the
coppice pond area & a long sit in the new observation area. There were 30+ Canada Geese, 20+ B.H.Gulls, 15+ Mallards, 6 coot & a Moorhen on the water, unfortunately getting severly harrassed by Dogs jumping into the water after them.
At the feeding station:
Robins:5, Not fighting just all feeding in different areas together.
Dunnocks:3, Same as Robins not fighting.
Pheasants:1M & 1F, very shy but male came out when it was quiet.
Wood Pigeons:6, Mega shy usually came out when no people in hide. Managed
2 when on my own. Great Tits:8+, Blue Tits:3, Coal Tits:6, L.T. Tits : 2's & occasional party of 5. Nuthatch:3 at one time. Chaffinch:1 lonely female. Treecreeper:1, had a good look around the trees at the station on 2 occasions. Sparrowhawk:1, only a fleeting glance against the sun, so no way to sex. Blackbirds:2 pairs, again no fighting all feeding together. I also saw a wood mouse nip out for a few seeds & there were 6
Squirrels at one time.
Brambling 09/11/2008
A male Brambling was found at the new feeding station. Here it is pictured with a Coal Tit.
October News
Thanks to a winning bid FoSI were awarded funds via the WREN project. Part of our plan was to have a bird hide over looking a feeding area. On the 21st October the bird hide was officially opened. The hide is along the main path past Coppice Pond. It has already been a success with people and the birds! Below are some images taken from the hide.
Great Spotted Woodpecker
Nuthatch
Blue Tit
Missing migrants
This year St.Ives appears to have missed out on some birds it used to attract.
Redstarts, Tree Pipit, Wood Warbler, Cuckoo and Pied Flycatcher all used to be annual visitors. Pied Flycatchers were hopefully going to be encouraged back into Cuckoo Nest Wood with the erection of about 200 nest boxes. In 2007 we did get a male singing for about ten days but he didn't return this year. The first four mentioned have been missing for a few years now with only Wood Warbler putting in appearances though these have finally dwindled to zero this year.
On top of that this year St.Ives didn't have any singing Garden Warblers at all to my knowledge. Though we have gained Whitethroat these are only turning up and singing and not holding territory.
Redstarts, Tree Pipit, Wood Warbler, Cuckoo and Pied Flycatcher all used to be annual visitors. Pied Flycatchers were hopefully going to be encouraged back into Cuckoo Nest Wood with the erection of about 200 nest boxes. In 2007 we did get a male singing for about ten days but he didn't return this year. The first four mentioned have been missing for a few years now with only Wood Warbler putting in appearances though these have finally dwindled to zero this year.
On top of that this year St.Ives didn't have any singing Garden Warblers at all to my knowledge. Though we have gained Whitethroat these are only turning up and singing and not holding territory.
Dawn Chorus 2008
Two guided walks took place on the 3rd and 10th May which were tied into the International Dawn Chorus Day, which was promoted by the BBC.
Both walks were well attended by 9 and 7 people.
Complete novices and birding beginners were introduced to the various bird songs as we made our way around the estate grounds. Though nothing rare was seen or heard, those whom attended marvelled at the songs of Song Thrush and Blackcap. By the end of the walks many were picking out "their own" Chiffchaffs.
The awe factor was provided by the female Goosander and her 11 ducklings all sat out in the sunshine preening.
Sadly, the star summer migrants haven't arrived even now, so we didn't get to listen to Pied Flycatchers, Redstart, Wood Warbler or Garden Warbler
Both walks were well attended by 9 and 7 people.
Complete novices and birding beginners were introduced to the various bird songs as we made our way around the estate grounds. Though nothing rare was seen or heard, those whom attended marvelled at the songs of Song Thrush and Blackcap. By the end of the walks many were picking out "their own" Chiffchaffs.
The awe factor was provided by the female Goosander and her 11 ducklings all sat out in the sunshine preening.
Sadly, the star summer migrants haven't arrived even now, so we didn't get to listen to Pied Flycatchers, Redstart, Wood Warbler or Garden Warbler
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