September 2023 in Bicknor Wood

This month equalled the record set in 2007 as the UK's warmest September. The insects (including this Common Flower Fly Syrphus ribesii) enjoyed the warmth and showed in profusion after a poor showing through the rest of the year.

In case you have been wondering what happened to your box hedges, this is a Box-tree Moth  Cydalima perspectalis. It is clearly common in the area, but has not been previously recorded inside the wood. First recorded as an accidental import from Asia in 2007, it has spread from Kent through suburban gardens where its caterpillars have destroyed box hedges as they go.

Early in the month a few young birds were finding their way in the wood. A Song Thrush and a couple of immature Blackbirds were seen feasting on the Cornus berries close to the gate leading from Monchelsea Park.

Mottling is clear on both birds, indicating their age.

Another Blackbird, a slightly older male, is transitioning to adult plumage. As a juvenile it would appear more brown, but there are a few awkward weeks as the new feathers fight for dominance with the old ones. We've all been there, haven't we?

A Chiffchaff was seen amongst the birds gathered at the Cornus. Previously the Chiffchaff had not been recorded in the wood beyond the third week of August as seen in the bar chart above, but this year they persisted until at least September 19th.

It is easily possible that I failed to notice them in previous years, or perhaps the mild weather did not encourage them to head south as soon as usual. A young bird was seen on August 16th (see August 2023 in Bicknor Wood). This must have been a second nesting after the more usual May/June attempt.

Perhaps the September birds were still building up their reserves or maybe it was a bird passing through on its migration to warmer climes.

A young Robin was seen on Sept 9th, again suggesting that the birds were taking advantage of the mild weather to extend their breeding seasons as far as possible.

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