27/02/19 - Yellowhammer

Our bird feeding station at the NNR base at Bank Island has been very busy over recent weeks – with large flocks of Tree Sparrows and Goldfinch present. We also had a couple of Brambling visiting in January, and more recently the regulars have been joined by two Yellowhammers and a Reed Bunting (more normally found out in the surrounding farmland). 

Although it’s obvious that birds need our help during the cold weather with additional food put out by many of us, it’s not so obvious in the milder weather we are enjoying at the moment, but they do still need our help at this time of year. Natural food such as seeds have been used and depleted throughout the winter, whilst the spring hasn’t got going yet to provide a new bounty. Our Barn Owls are equally struggling as vole numbers are at a seasonal low following winter mortality, and before breeding gets underway to boost the population. Recently they have been showing on a daily basis as they hunt for extended periods at Bank Island looking for small mammals in the meadows. Many thanks to everyone who provides for our feathered friends during the winter months.