Winter is a quiet time at the reserve, but there are still some interesting birds present.
Look for the winter migrants: Brambling, Siskin, Lesser Redpoll and winter thrushes Redwing & Fieldfare.
Waders also visit the ponds and scrapes, including Snipe, Sandpipers and occasionally Jack Snipe. Lapwings feed in neighbouring fields.
The bird hide & feeding station is a good place to view the resident woodland birds – Blue, Great, Coal, Long-Tailed & Marsh Tits, Dunnock, Nuthatch, Woodpeckers & Finches. Willow Tit visits occasionally.
Our Pied and Grey Wagtails are normally found around the small ponds just beyond the carpark.
The first spring flowers appear in late February. The bright yellow flowers of Coltsfoot are among the earliest.
Over-wintering adult butterflies may appear during a warm spell – Small Tortoiseshell, Peacock & Comma.
Listen for: The only bird to sing throughout the winter months is the Robin, but the other species will start in Feb as they establish their breeding territories.
A gallery of photographs is on our web site www.fenr.org.uk