June '22 in Bicknor Wood

June was a quiet month after the frantic excitement of May. The birdsong is now greatly reduced and the abundance of flowers have passed. The wood's leafy cover casts a deep shadow in contrast to the brightness where there is a break in the canopy.

The Great Spotted Woodpeckers fledged a single chick on the morning of June 12th, but have been very discrete since with only fleeting sightings.

A pair of Wrens proudly escorted their new family on their first outing on June 15th and some young Robins were photographed during the same walk.

Song Thrushes and Blackbirds continue to sing to protect their territories as they feed second broods. They may go on to have three or even 4 broods in a good summer. Wrens and Robins will attempt second broods and the Woodpigeons never seem to stop.

Our local male Sparrowhawk was seen circling above the wood. Watch for its flap, flap, glide style of flight. But for the most part, the wood is a quieter place as the summer takes over from spring. 

The squirrels have been stripping bark again and damaging the trees. They cut the bark into manageable chunks then gnaw out the phloem, the nutrient rich lining.

You may notice horrific looking birds at this time of year. It is not unusual to see birds with completely bald heads as they go through their post breeding moult.

Scorpion Fly

A birdwatcher's attention can stray during this time of year, often getting distracted by insects which are reaching a peak of profusion. Above and below are a few insects newly identified in the wood.

Garden Carpet Moth

Yellow barred Longhorn Moth

Plants and flowers are a big part of the summer with a diversity of plants blooming together rather than an abundance  of just one species.

Common Ragwort