February 2022 in Bicknor Wood

The wood was scarified during February with a hat trick of storms; Dudley, Eunice and Franklin. Lots of dead twigs and branches were dislodged to litter the paths, but on the whole, damage was minimal. I was most anxious to see how the dead Sessile Oak had fared during the gales, but it was still standing over its clearing as it has done for more than 100 years.

It is testimony to the building skills of the Magpies that their loose nests of twigs are still there. They look so flimsy in the tops of the trees, but they survived the storms. 

The wind also moved along the leaves that have insulated the wood floor during the cold months. The leaves of the Bluebells are showing profusely now that they are not hidden. 

No.28

Birds were frequently spotted as two-somes during February. On Feb 22nd, Blue Tits were seen checking out the nest boxes at nos. 7, 26 and 28. Great Tits were showing interest in 14.

No.26

A Great Tit was heard singing on Feb 4th and a non-commital Song Thrush on 11th. The Great Spotted Woodpeckers were seen consorting closely early in the month, but the male was seen alone towards the end of Feb. 

Responses to his drumming were reported on Feb 25th and it may have been the female keeping in contact from a distance. 

20 bird species were noted during February, with the usual suspects, but notable exceptions. Neither Nuthatches nor Treecreepers seen during the shortest month. 

Catkins on the Sallow trees were noted from 19th Feb. Also known as Pussy Willow or Goat Willow, the male catkins provide an early boost of pollen. They will turn yellow as the pollen ripens, ready to fertilise the female catkins which grow on separate trees.

Wood Avens was noted to be putting up foliage on 22nd Feb.  Apart from the other plants logged in January, this was the only wildflower to be seen in Feb. Lesser Celandine seen locally, but not in the wood.

Buff-rumped Bumblebees have been seen from 11th. Peacock and Comma butterflies overwinter as adults and may be seen out on sunny, calm days. This Comma was seen near the Bug Hotel on Feb 7th