8 February 2008
Robin (Erithacus rubecula)
There are many robins on the reserve, but what is interesting about those that use Hawthorn Feeding Station is their unusual tolerance of one another. Usually this species, especially the males are very aggressive to eachother over territory, be it breeding territory or food territory. It is not unusual, however, to find 5 or 6 robins together at the feeding station, with very little aggression. This goes to show how certain species can adapt their behaviour when there is a guaranteed abundance of food.
Great Spotted Woodpecker (Dendrocopus major)
Great spotted woodpeckers are often quite allusive, however they are confident birds and will visit most feeding areas provided they are within their preferred habitat. This female bird (due to the lack of red on her nape) is feeding on lard which is put into the dead tree stumps daily. This aids their attraction, as naturally they require dead wood to feed in. The great spotted woodpeckers will also feed on the nut feeders, once the lard supplies have been exhausted. As of today, the first territorial drumming was heard on the reserve. This drumming is used like songbirds use their song- to alert
Blue Tit (Parus caeruleus)
Long-Tailed Tit (Aegithalos caudatus)
This beautiful passerine is best viewed during the cold winter months when it forms large flocks, often visiting the feeding station. The long tailed tit seems to dissapear during the breeding season, when they return to their natural habitat which is plentiful in food. The maximum number of this species recorded at Hawthorn Wood Feeding Station was 17 individuals.