January wildlife

A relatively quiet month but snowfalls can give clues to animal (particularly mammal) activity through tracks left.

Flora

Hazel catkins appear.

Snowdrops come into flower.

Various species may be found in flower (e.g. Groundsel and Speedwells).

Birds

Early singing birds can be heard including Blue Tit, Great Tit, Robin, Nuthatch and Starlings.

Wrens ands Dunnocks started earlier and their loud burst of song can also be heard.

A peak time, through to February for Tawny Owls calling with the hoot of the male and the “twit” of the female.

Ravens start to build their nests.

Watch for flocks of Redwing and Fieldfare which may be hunted by Sparrowhawk.

Look out for flocks of Golden Plover which we had in the past at Peasedown Flat.

Mammals

Badger cubs start to be born.

Rabbits start to breed.

Foxes can be heard barking.

Bats are hibernating now though wakening occasionally to change roosts (important not to disturb them when they are torpid).

Insects

A quiet time for insects.

Look out for the December Moth, Winter Moth, Early Moth and Pale Brindled Beauty.

CVWG sightings

For sightings reported, pleae go to the Sightings page.

 Header: Braysdown, Woodborough and Lower Writhlington batches with farmland east of Radstock (“batch” is a local term for a spoil heap)