HARDINGTON WILDLIFE IN SEPTEMBER
The media and especially the R.S.P.B. are focusing on the devastating effect
of the disease Trichomonosis, on the population of finches. This is caused
primarily by rotten food and dirty equipment at garden bird tables and we are
urged to ensure that feeders and drinking vessels are cleaned regularly and
thoroughly; a special disinfectant can be purchased for this purpose. I note
that I have only seen one greenfinch in the garden this summer, whereas it used
to be the most common bird. The disease is now said to be spreading to other
small birds like house sparrows.
On a brighter note, I have been pleased to see a huge flock of tits visiting the garden on a regular basis. There must be about fifty birds of five different species and the garden looks like an aviary for a few minutes as they pass through. This is probably a good defence strategy, especially as there is a family of young sparrow hawks in the area.
Hay making is going to be very late on the nature reserve this year, but it is allowing the flowers to set seed for future years and butterflies to enjoy the late summer flowers. It has been an exceptionally good year for the common blue butterfly and it is fascinating to see large numbers chasing around in mating displays.
The red magpie seems to have disappeared as I have had no further reports this month. Majority opinion suggests that the red spray has now been washed off in the rain, but the bird could have died or been shot. Any further positive information would be welcome!
Mike Bickerton, August 2010.