"Something completely different" - The Hoopoe

This exotic looking bird is a Hoopoe. I photographed it one Autumn day, a few years ago, on Beechdale Estate.

It is about the size of a pigeon, cinnamon/ dusky pink in colour, with black and white wings and back, it's beak is long and slender and it also has a distinctive plume.

Found throughout parts of Europe, Southern Asia and Africa, it is a rare visitor to this country, although they may be occasionally seen along the south coast in Spring time. To see one here in Bloxwich was a rarity, or was it?

This is the second sighting of this species in the same area, one being identified a few years prior to this on Bentley, around Junction 10, of the M6. Which is quite remarkable!

It's diet being made up of primarily insects, which are obtained by probing around with that long beak into the ground and dunghills. (Lovely)

Despite its natural beauty, it is notable that this is somewhat unclean in home and habits. It's nest, gives off an awful odour, this is down to secretions of the bird's oil glands and a failure to clean the nest of excrement.

If you are visiting Europe, Turkey or Egypt for your holidays, keep an eye out for this bird, it has a distinctive flight and despite it's dirty reputation, it still remains one of the most prettiest of birds.

If you have seen something a little different in this locality, why not tell us about it? We would love to hear from you.

Papillion

Garden Favourites - The Robin

When I asked a class of 8 year olds, what their favourite bird was, undoubtedly the most popular reply was 'Robin'.

Known to be a highly aggressive and territorial bird, who will fight to the death to protect its patch, what makes it so popular with generations, and Britain's favourite bird?

Perhaps it's significant, red breast, which is used as deterrent to intruders, rather than a means to attract a mate is one reason.

Another is the fact that Robins are not afraid of human contact. Known as the 'gardeners friend', Robins are keen to follow you around the garden anticipating that you will turn over the soil, exposing the grubs and worms that lie under the surface. This behavior dates to a time when wild boars roamed the countryside rooting over the soil for grubs, hot on their heels was our friend the Robin, scooping up the tasty morsels on offer. Of course, relatively few boars exist ,so Robins have befriended gardeners instead, often perched on a spade or fork handle awaiting the opportunity to feed.

Like Wrens, Robins are known to nest in some unusual places, such as sheds, hanging baskets, and even pockets in washing left out on the line.

As we approach winter, it is worth noting that smaller birds such as Robins, need to feed through out the day to fuel their bodies. To attract Robins into your garden you may tempt them with maggots, meal worms, dried fruit such as sultanas and raisins, or a firm favourite is a little mild, grated cheese.

Please note: Never give garden birds anything that is salted and never add salt to bird baths to keep water ice free during winter.

Papillion

Autumn Caterpillars

Caterpillars come in all shape and sizes, and they never cease to amaze us. Some are to be found during the autumn season.

This cracking little species is a "Pale Tussock", ('tussock' meaning: tufts or feathers) a stunning caterpillar that turns into a large well camouflaged, silvery moth with distinctive fluffy antennae. They can be found between July-October in woodland or gardens, feeding on oaks and fruit trees, and later, the moth can be seen around May-June time. Look out for them!

Papillion

The Painted Lady

This year is said to be "the year of the painted lady", but you may ask why all the fuss?

These butterflies are very special indeed, due to the fact that they originate in North Africa and migrate to Northern Europe. This beautiful species cannot normally survive our winters here, so we are dependent on an immigration each spring and summer. The nomadic lifestyle of this species means it is constantly moving across continents seeking food. It is worth considering that this means that in order to reach the UK, they have to cover a distance of at least 1000 miles!

This year has proved to be the most successful up to yet, with record numbers reaching all four corners of the UK, reaching as far North as St Kilda. However this marvelous immigration is dependent on weather, so this spectacle may not be repeated.

If you saw a painted lady this year, locally, please tell us about it. Often attracted to Buddleia and Verbena, I am hearing reports through out our town including Valley Road, and the Blakenall area.

If you wish to learn more please contact:

http://www.butterfly-conservation.org/

Papillon

Welcome to Bloxwatch

Welcome to the Tallygraph's latest feature, investigating our local wildlife. We would love to hear from you, your sightings and stories past and present about the wildlife in the Bloxwich area.

As well as sharing hints and tips on how we can maintain, protect and attract more wildlife in to Bloxwich.

Please feel free to contact me if you wish to share your photographs and observations.

Papillon