Our Bird Walk was a success (despite grey skies) with an enthusiastic group of members plus some visiting RSPB spotters invited by Stuart. Between them all 23 different species were identified. The visitors were impressed by the habitats and birds Shrewsbury Park has to offer.
Nicky Wilson of RSPB Bexley wrote a wonderfully detailed and interesting report and graciously agreed to share it, so I’ll leave you to reading it yourself on this link. Thank you so much , Nicky!
The intrepid Peter and Keith of Parks and Open Spaces tree gang managed to clear out the bird boxes along Dothill path mid February ready for new tenants. However housing is at a premium for the moment because three of the boxes had been seriously vandalised by parakeets and/or squirrels. Hard to tell.
These were taken down and will be replaced. Eight of the boxes had been inhabited, the same as last season. But not the same boxes…hmmm
Battling the increasing chilly wind they re-positioned the 6 bat boxes that had been refurbished. You’ll spot them roughly in the same area as before. Many thanks to Clive who re-roofed the bat boxes and Peter and Keith for their expertise and ladder!
Start the day with something different and invigorating! Join our bird walk on Saturday 30 April led by Stuart Banks, an active member of the RSPB and local resident. Nesting season has begun and there is plenty of birdlife to discover this month.
Each winter the bird boxes sited along Dot Hill path need to be checked and emptied in order to be ready for new occupants in the spring. Martin and Peter from RBG Parks and Open Spaces met us early morning on December, set up the ladder and then opened each box in turn.
The blue tits have been busy again this year and we found nine boxes containing successful nests. Some were more cosy and substantial than others, maybe built by more experienced birds – we had fun speculating. The remaining three boxes were empty.
Results show that #7, #11 and #12 have been empty two years running and Martin suggested moving them if this occurs next season. The boxes are easily visible this time of year so have a wander and see if you can spot them. They are numbered in order, 1 – 13, and you will notice that #4 is ‘in need of rennovation’ as it was damaged in 2014. Look out for the one with the extra front door…
FSP would like to thank Parks and Open Spaces for accommodating this visit in their packed work schedule.
Download a full copy of the newsletter here: Newsletter Spring 2015 (Microsoft Word .doc).
