Lockdown Wildlife Watching - what strange times we live in when that phrase has become commonplace. A few weeks ago I was looking forward to a yearlong wildlife bonanza, trips to 10 countries planned, funding set up, publicity vehicles engaged, when all of a sudden Wham! Nothing. Within the blink of an eye it all came crashing down. Months of planning, meetings with supporting organisations, fund raising events arranged, money spent on website hosting, business cards, guide books etc all seemingly wasted. Funny old world.
I appreciate that in the grand scheme of things its small beer, but I’ve invested an awful lot of time in setting up Wingsearch2020 and I’m damned if I’m going to let it all wither on the vine. It can all be rolled over into 2021 and start afresh. For now though here we are in lockdown, forced to watch wildlife from our homes or on our local walks. And surprise, surprise it’s not all that bad.
The weather has helped enormously, with mostly dry, sunny days bringing forth lots of insects and birds, as well as making those excursions around the local patch pleasantly relaxing. My garden faces north-west, but is long enough to ensure the bottom half receives good amounts of sunshine most of the day at this time of year. I’ve pretty much let it run wild with a number of naturalised wild flowers such as primrose, cowslip, yellow archangel and red campion. Spanish bluebells add a nice touch later in the spring, as do the exuberant moisture loving plants that crowd around the two ponds. Here we have water avens, meadowsweet, various iris, purple loosetrife and water mint in season. Holly, ivy and privet abound, interspersed with the odd hawthorn and an unwieldly growth of dog rose. All in all, it’s a mini jungle and one that does attract a good variety of wildlife, just as it was meant to.
Well then, what have I seen on this Lockdown Wildlife Watching quest? The ponds have been a major focal point with lots of tiny tadpoles wriggling around in the margins. I watched a male smooth newt slowly drift towards a cluster of them one morning and lunge at one unfortunate that took his eye. It was akin to watching an African crocodile stealthily take unwary prey in miniature. The parents of this squirming mass of larva have forsaken their breeding pools now, dispersing around the garden to find much needed sustenance after the long winter fast. Caddisfly larva provide another point of interest, and I always marvel at the components of their protective casing – true works of art. The other impressive pond dweller is the mass of water fleas – daphnia – that have been swirling around in their thousands. I don’t think I’ve noticed so many before, but I’m pleased they are there. Maybe I won’t get so much algal growth this summer.
Early flowering plants have attracted a few bees and butterflies as well as an assortment of other flying insects. My knowledge of many of these groups is close to non-existent, but with the help of reference works and the Norfolk Wildlife Facebook page I’ve managed to confirm identify of a few : Chetostoma curvinerve (a picture-winged fly), Syrphus torvus (a hoverfly), and Eristalis tenax (Drone Fly). Bees so far identified are Bombus pratorum (Early Bumblebee), Bombus sylvestris (Forest Cuckoo Bee) and Bombus lapidarius (Red-tailed Bumblebee). Butterflies have taken the form of peacock, comma and brimstone, whilst a few moths have appeared in the trap, notably a lovely pair of male brindled beauties.
The number of bird species encountered on daily walks and/or in or over the garden number 23 species. The most notable of these was a Buzzard that flew low across the garden at dusk one evening. It then doubled back and passed just over the rooftop above my study being pursued by the local pair of Carrion Crows. Nesting birds in the garden include Blackbird (just outside the kitchen window), Dunnock, Greenfinch, Blue Tit and Great Tit. The latter utilising the swift box I put up last year. I’m still awaiting flyover Osprey!
Away from actually physically partaking in Lockdown Wildlife Watching, I’ve been writing about it. As well as my usual articles for parish magazines and Let’s Talk I’ve produced a few identification guides, utilising the vehicle of the website to post these. I’ve also produced a few wildlife themed puzzles which are aimed at helping children (and adults) pass a little time whilst under house arrest.
I’m enjoying reading others’ accounts of their lockdown birding activity; it helps bond us in these trying times. The numerous posts on social media and in other blogs show great innovation as well providing excellent accounts of how people are coping with the enforced lock-in. I’m sure you’ll join me in wishing it will all end SOON!!!
Keep well folks and stay safe.