GREEN SHOOTS !

        Last year the Tawny Owl nest box was used by a pair, who as I hoped, raised two owlets successfully. Later in the year I noticed twigs sticking out of the front of the box which is a pretty sure sign that Grey Squirrels had taken over the now empty nest box for themselves - a not uncommon problem. Today was scheduled as the big eviction day for the squirrels, who have plenty of other places to call home. With the help of a friend and a long ladder the nest box was emptied of all the squirrels furnishings (twigs and leaves mainly) and made ready for the Tawny Owls again - they nest early in spring and often use old nests as roosts in the winter, that is, if the squirrels do not keep them out. I had previously trained a remote camera on the nest box just to see who was using it and amongst the many images of squirrels going in and out, there was a clear photo of a Tawny sitting by the box....good news indeed and a sign that the birds are already thinking about grabbing a nest site.

    Having the long ladder in the wood also gave me the opportunity to install a bat box that  generous neighbours had given me. I decided to place it above a box that I made around ten years ago, which is now showing signs of wear, my hope being that any bats will now decide to relocate to the higher standard of accommodation in the new box. Both boxes are located on a ride which is used by Pipistrelle bats in the summer months, although I have no way of knowing if they use the boxes without disturbing them, which is technically against the law as I do not have a licence for this.

  Elsewhere in the wood I heard then saw a Marsh Tit near the bird feeder. This bird is a real favourite of mine and sadly becoming quite a rarity in the South East. I had worried that they were lost to the wood as a species so it was particularly pleasing to see one. And as a sign of better things to come, the first few bulb shoots are appearing as it has been such a mild winter so far. With Christmas a few days away, we cut our 2020 tree from saplings planted a few years ago.....not the best shaped but it will be enjoyed all the same. Merry Christmas !

Caught on camera, the Tawny Owl by the nest box

 Checking out the box

The old and the new bat box

 The elusive Marsh Tit in its distinctive brown plumage

Bringing home the tree

.......and those green shoots.........just what is needed !