Signs of Spring
First Sighting of a Swallow in 2023
First swallow of 2023 sighted in Coombe Road today 15 April. Last years first sighting was on 21 April.
Signs of Spring
Wood Anemone & Celandine
Spring wild flowers are coming into bloom at a great rate now. The picture shows wood anemones and celandine in Duncombe Wood. Also heard the calling of chiffchaffs in the wood for the first time this year.
Amphibians
Toad Patrol Results for 2023
The Toad Patrols on Coombe Road finished on Sunday 26 March. It has been a different year to last year, with a long period in the middle of the patrolling season devoid of amphibians due to the cold dry weather. However the numbers of toads are comparable to last year, and the number of newts up by approximately 60. One thing we did notice was that a number of the male toads were very small. Read more…
Amphibians
Male Toads Hitching a Lift!
The 2023 Toad Patrol Season progresses. Now, towards the end of their migration to the breeding pond we are finding more female toads than males. Click on this post to view a video of males toads hitching a lift on the back of females,. This allows them to be in pole position for fertilising the toad spawn on reaching the pond.
Signs of Spring
Sweet Violets by the Bereleigh Road
This flush of sweet violets (viola adorata) was spotted on the north side of the Bereleigh Road today. Spring is definitely moving forward now.
Amphibians
Big Night For Amphibians
Last evening, Thursday 9th March, was a big night for the 2023 Toad Patrol. The weather had rapidly changed from dry/cold to wet/mild, encouraging the toads and newts to get moving to their breeding pond. 102 Toads were moved to safety, with the loss of 6 squashed ones. 96 newts were moved to safety with the loss of 1 squashed one.
Birds of Prey
Female Sparrowhawk Having Breakfast in Temple Lane
I came across this female sparrowhawk this morning, breakfasting on a blackbird. It did not immediately fly away, so I was able to get a good picture. I think it was protecting its prey.
Tree Working Group (TWIG)
The Tree Working Group (TWIG) Plants Hedge No.2
TWIG and supporters, led by Stuart Martin, today planted its second hedge row. It is positioned on the Recreation Ground, behind the Cricket Pavilion and next to the Clanfield Road.
Amphibians
Toad Patrols Commenced Last Evening
With the mild (9C) and damp weather toad patrols commenced on Coombe Road last evening, 16 February. 25 toads rescued, 3 squashed toads found. Also 16 palmate newts rescued, with 3 squashed ones found. Please drive carefully on Coombe Road at dusk and beyond, there will be patrols on the road.
Signs of Spring
Despite Recent Cold Spells Spring Is Coming
Despite the two recent cold spells, spring is coming. Snowdrops and celandines are flowering in a lot of places around the Parish.