Who’s in the Woods? The Winter Bird Survey

Working quietly in the woods all winter, Tom Williams has been recording the populations of winter birds. To do this survey, it requires an extra layer or two of warm clothing and a well-trained ear for listening to bird song, watching, identifying and logging the species present in the woods. During the winter there are broadly, two kinds of birds; those that are year-round residents and the seasonal migrants arriving from the north and east for a warmer winter (coinciding with many of the summer woodland birds as they leave for warmer climes)

There are many other species of birds around Fingle including the once ubiquitous, introduced pheasant that was dominant during the days of the ‘shoot’. Tom concluded by saying, “this survey gives us a good picture of the winter migrants and residents here at Fingle. It shows there is a different use of the site through the seasons, like the lesser spotted woodpecker that expands its territory during the winter. The results also provide a good comparison for long term monitoring and will help me to find some of the birds during the breeding season.” This accurate information is important for woodland management planning and highlights the areas where the restoration efforts can support a diversity of bird species throughout the year. One example being the focus on improving the availability of dead wood which supports many birds in their search for nest sites and food. As the overall record of wildlife develops, the site can be better managed for benefit of the many species here, creating a refuge for the breadth and diversity of woodland life.by Matt Parkins