On the Game - The Pheasant

Whilst much controversy surrounds the introduction of non-native species to Britain, the pheasant proves to be the original success story. The female population is perhaps around 1.8million, but around 30 million or more are farm bred and released each year for the hunting season.

This elaborate species originated in SW Asia, was introduced by the Romans, and continues to prosper in our woodland and farmland down to this day. It also remains as the world's most common game bird.

When it comes to breeding, the males vivid plumage really comes into play. A male can have a harem of up to eighteen females, impressive, yet, when the female has settled onto the nest the male will almost ignore her. Pheasants are a ground nesting bird, this dismissive behaviour acts as a protection to both the female and its young. As you maybe aware, the female is a rather drab bird compared to her male counterpart, and without the males presence, she and her chicks can remain camouflaged so as not to attract predators such as foxes.

Out of all the British birds, were you aware that it is the fastest runner, reaching speeds of up to 21mph? Which is advantageous, since it is only able to fly a relatively short distance.

Although it is common to see Pheasants on some of the open countryside surrounding Bloxwich, I have been surprised to see them in an urban setting. A male feeding on the green on Sneyd Hall Rd, Dudley Fields and a female walking down Harrison St heading towards the High St, whose presence I haven't quiet been able to explain.

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All photographs by L. Warren

Garden Favourites - The Wren

It may surprise you to learn, that the wren is the most abundant breeding bird in the U.K. with an estimated population of about 10 million breeding pairs. Around the world there is said to be around 80 species of wrens, and here in the U.K there are four subspecies, these are found on St Kilda and on the Fair Isle, two are lighter than the mainland birds and two are darker.

In Britain they are one of our smallest birds, at 9.5 cm and weighing just 10g (about the weight of a £1 coin) it has for certain one of the most explosive singing voices. They are restless and excitable bird which gives out a loud tic-tic-tic and aloud trill, to the point where their little bodies vibrate, these calls often are made by the male to defend their territory.

Its Latin name is Troglodytes troglodytes deriving from the ancient Greek, trogle meaning 'hole' + dyein meaning 'to enter', or a 'cave-dweller. This is a reasonable description as wrens have the tendency to enter small nooks and crannies searching for food.

They will often nest in your garden in dense vegetation and prefer the cover of ivy and other creepers. They will only build a nest where there is a suitable site with good food supplies. Males build several nests, the female will then choose her favourite and go on to line it with feathers. Unlike the open topped nests of other garden birds such as blackbirds and tits, the wren's nest resembles a ball like structure.

Severe winters are devastating for this species, as many as eight out of ten can die. To combat severe weather, some roost communally, and rumours are said that over 60 have been known to share a standard nest box, cuddled up together. This behavior acts as a life saver as they could lose as much as half their body weight over winter. If you find a Wren nest don’t remove it, it may be used a little later on. In particular, leave any found after September undisturbed for winter roosting. Try adding an open-fronted bird box to your wall in your garden? Once foliage has grown over to cover it you may find wrens will nest there. Alternatively you could try using an old kettle or teapot as a nest, just hang it in the ivy.

Survival can depend on moving to an area where there are better food supplies. Sometimes, when it comes to our gardens, we seem to cater for the seed eaters, but not insect eaters. Due to the fact that these little birds enjoy live food especially spiders, which are often in short supply over the winter months, it is important that they are fed plenty, they enjoy suet and fat and try sprinkling a little grated cheese under your hedges and around your garden to attract them.

Photographs by L.Warren

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Garden Favourites- The Great Tit

One of our most popular garden birds, has to be the Great tit.

A sparrow sized bird, instantly recognisable by their bright plumage, they readily come into our gardens and make the most of our food and nest boxes.

The Great tit, is noticeably larger than blue tit, with large white cheek patches, which stand out from its black head and throat. To decipher whether it is male or female, simply look at the stripe that runs down the front of its chest. The males stripe is broader, and runs all the way back, where as the females, will have a narrower stripe which fades towards its stomach.

It has a loud distinguished call and even though it can on occasion imitate other calls, its best known for 'teechu-teechu-teechu', which is often heard in the first 6 months of the year.

Never underestimate these small birds, they are opportunistic feeders, and have the ability to over come problems in order to attain food. Great tits are known to identify new sources of food by observing other birds foraging, and have a reputation of following other birds who are storing food, and steal from them. They have even been recorded using a pine needle as a tool to pick out food found in deep cavities.

Although they eat mainly caterpillars, insects and larvae, during winter months like all small birds they need to build up their energy reserves with nuts and seeds and other plant matter, which is where we come in.

During autumn and winter put out food regularly and in severe weather if possible feed twice a day. Great tits enjoy peanuts (never put out salted or dry roasted varieties) sunflower seeds and fat balls. Please remove the mesh bags that these are sold in as they may trap birds' feet. Transfer them to a steel mesh feeder.

Juvenile Great tit by L. Warren

Great tits and their nests are protected under the wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. If you are fortunate to have them nesting in your nest box, it is always worth remembering that empty nests can be cleaned out only between August and January.


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"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.

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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.

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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!

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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/

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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.

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