The last month has been a bumper one for sightings. We have either seen, or had reported, spotted flycatchers at The Triangle, corn buntings singing on Spring Hill, tree pipits on the lower slopes, and yellow wagtails at Ambrose Farm. A black swan and cygnets have been seen at the bridge to Froxfield, presumably having wandered down the river from the Manor Lake. All these special sightings are in addition to all our regulars – like the mixed flock of seven red kites and four buzzards over our garden yesterday evening and the seven swifts that have set up home in the Square.
The gardens have been equally busy, with one being blessed by regular visits from a pair of bullfinches. The male bullfinch must be one of our most striking garden birds. In our own garden we have had both greenfinches and a goldcrest as unusual visitors. We are delighted that a wren has again taken up residence in one of our bird boxes. Once the chicks have fledged, the female will become particularly vocal, and it always amazes me how such a small bird can have such a loud song. Apparently, this is possible because the wren has an organ called a syrinx with a resonating chamber and membranes that utilise virtually all the air in the lungs and can produce two notes at the same time. Clever little thing!
Comments