The Early Bird
Here at Fingle Woods we often talk about the ‘restoration’ of woodland, after all, it’s what we are all here for. But what does it mean, what does it look like and, importantly, how are we doing? We will be able to measure our success if future generations can see and enjoy a healthy and diverse woodland environment with a mix of habitats; a home to many wild species of plants and animals. So, our woodland restoration starts with an awareness of the needs of nature, quite literally, listening to the wildlife.
On one fresh February morning, I caught up with Tom Williams as he set off to take part in a survey to find one of the rare and elusive species of woodland birds. Though it is a very small bird, the willow tit (Poecile montanus) could play a very big role in the restoration at Fingle. Due to habitat deterioration and a subsequent major decline in their population across the country, they have become very hard to find. They are also almost visually identical to the marsh tit, which adds to the challenge. The best way to confirm if willow tits are present is by listening for their calls and, standing in an area of ancient oak coppice, Tom’s survey began.
On one fresh February morning, I caught up with Tom Williams as he set off to take part in a survey to find one of the rare and elusive species of woodland birds. Though it is a very small bird, the willow tit (Poecile montanus) could play a very big role in the restoration at Fingle. Due to habitat deterioration and a subsequent major decline in their population across the country, they have become very hard to find. They are also almost visually identical to the marsh tit, which adds to the challenge. The best way to confirm if willow tits are present is by listening for their calls and, standing in an area of ancient oak coppice, Tom’s survey began.
At the next survey point there’s a small, scrubby area. “This should be worth a try.” A wren appeared, and a group of long tailed tits twittered through the canopy and … good news! It was another lesser spotted woodpecker but sadly, no willow tits. Later, we stopped in a gully where a bubbling stream was holding onto the morning mist. The electronic willow tit was calling with urgency to get a response, but none came. Even at the ‘marsh tit plot’ we were holding out some hope but, as the sun rose over the tree tops, the chances faded.
I left Tom to carry on with his search; he will continue his task, and next month too. Even if no willow tits are found then it will still be a good record of Fingle’s wildlife. As the habitat restoration continues, he will be back. If repeat surveys reveal the reappearance of the willow tit then, what a feather in Fingle’s cap that would be.This small bird is a big deal!by Matt ParkinsThe British Trust for Ornithology states that “Willow Tit has undergone a large decline in Britain, disappearing from many areas, mainly in the south and southeast of England. This is highlighted by the Breeding Bird Survey results for 1995–2016, which show an 81% drop.”Find out more about the willow tit survey here
I left Tom to carry on with his search; he will continue his task, and next month too. Even if no willow tits are found then it will still be a good record of Fingle’s wildlife. As the habitat restoration continues, he will be back. If repeat surveys reveal the reappearance of the willow tit then, what a feather in Fingle’s cap that would be.This small bird is a big deal!by Matt ParkinsThe British Trust for Ornithology states that “Willow Tit has undergone a large decline in Britain, disappearing from many areas, mainly in the south and southeast of England. This is highlighted by the Breeding Bird Survey results for 1995–2016, which show an 81% drop.”Find out more about the willow tit survey here
