February 2010

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Despite the last chilly reminders that we aren't yet out of the clutches of winter there are welcome signs of the approach of spring. The golden tassles of male hazel catkins twirl in the wind and blooms of snowdrops, aconites and crocuses in the garden bring welcome cheer even when the daytime temperature hovers round the freezing mark. On warm, sunny days red admiral butterflies, which in recent years have been hibernating in the UK, are tempted out to feed on the blooms of winter-flowering shrubs such as Vibernum tinens and the strawberry tree Arbutus unedo. Other butterflies which may emerge from snug hibernation hide-aways in February are peacock; comma; small tortoiseshell and brimstone.

On warm days there is lots of bird courtship, establishment of breeding territories and the start of a dawn chorus of bird song with song thrush, dunnock, robin and blackbird plus some vibrant bursts from male wrens. Even when there are the blusters of cold gales it doesn't deter the male mistle thrush. His bold, fluty and strident notes delivered from the top of a swaying tree earns him the old country name of "storm cock". Mistles, like their cousins the song thrushes, are early nesters but all too sadly many of these colder weather ventures are doomed to failure.

Those old black rascals the rooks are among nature's survivors and their legendary adaptability in a changing farming scene has even led to more colonies even in some unlikely places. Close to Abberton Reservoir, nests have been built very low in roadside elms and the birds don't seem at all worried by the constant passage of vehicles so close to the swaying tree tops.

From mid February into March the expanding golden catkins of sallow (pussy willow/goat willow) provide a valuable nectar source for bees, hoverflies, butterflies and moths. Members of Essex Moth Group and CNHS, myself included, will be switching on our garden moth traps to record species on the wing this early in the year.

If you are interested in moths, butterflies and other attractive insects here's a date for your diary. Essex Moth Group’s annual meeting and exhibition is at Venture Centre 2000, Bromley Road, Lawford on Saturday, February 27th (10.30am-5pm). All welcome. Full day of illustrated talks; exhibits; discussions; lunch; refreshments - pay on admission. If you would like to come let me know on 01206-241389.

There are still some big flocks of finches and buntings feeding on stubbles and in weedy places. At Fordham Hall Estate there are still good numbers of greenfinches, goldfinches, yellowhammers, reed buntings and linnets and a chance of some bramblings with the chaffinches. A woodcock was seen in one of the Woodland Trust's estate fields on January 31.

This seems to be a good winter for great northern divers with sightings at west Mersea; Tollesbury; Walton and Alton Water and bittern are still being reported at Abberton Reservoir.

Below: A woodcock was seen at Fordham Hall Estate on January 31 and during the cold spell even entered gardens to seek worms in muddy patches.

Great activity at local rookeries in February as nests are repaired or built. Several new colonies being established in NE Essex.

Some butterflies venture out of hibernation on sunny February days to find nectar plants. Pictured, a peacock.

Mistle thrushes are early nesters and the males sing loudly from tree tops in February

Some moths are on the wing on mild February nights. Top: pale bridled beauty; middle: mottled umber; bottom: early moth.

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