January 2015 -- Bullfinches and a goosander

As someone with a lifelong appreciation of nature, I greatly regret the years when the interest was ‘on the back burner’. Unfortunately, the wasted years coincided with travels to some interesting places which would have offered a cornucopia of wildlife. The memories I have of storks nesting on rooftops in Yugoslavia, of flamingos in southern France and alpine plants in Switzerland could have been augmented by so much more. As a result of this sad lapse, I now greatly appreciate the natural history of our local area.

Goosander

    Having a ‘local patch’ is important in this context and we are more than fortunate to enjoy the green spaces of our churchyard and surrounding areas where we can follow seasonal changes. A looked-forward-to duck visitor can be seen now on both Strinesdale reservoirs – the goosander. I was watching a group of seven recently, the males outrageously handsome in smart black and white plumage like Hollywood A-listers dressed for a big bash. They were swimming with a restrained power in search of fish, diving for thirty seconds at a time, the less flamboyant females equally purposeful. On the wing, they appear fast and streamlined, making flight seem effortless.

A large flock of lapwings passed over, flickering black and white against a blue sky and travelling towards Yorkshire, reminding me of the occasion when I saw an adult bird hustling some fledglings along a lane. Numbers of this charismatic [lover are recorded as in decline, but they are often seen crowding the roofs of modern industrial buildings, presumably enjoying the rising warmth.

Bullfinch (male)

    One of my favourite small birds is the bullfinch. I love the sturdy build, jet-black head, the bright rose-red breast of the male and quieter coloration of the female. I also appreciate a view of birds in an attractive setting. This week a small flock of bullfinches has been enthusiastically ripping into the white rowan berries in the churchyard. The finches look wonderful amid a veil of white. This is gratifying since I raised this Chinese tree from seed.

    Other fine species visible within a short distance of the church include the grey wagtail, the dipper, often on the golden steps and the widely-established great spotted woodpecker. The winsome nuthatch is present, characterised by a delightful clear call. One of the dog-walkers leaves seed on posts as she goes by, the nuthatch soon appearing to feed.