Sherborne Observations
And a couple of notices
I have been struck this spring by some “gut feeling” observations. I have no hard data to support this so I’d like too check with you.
I think there’s a significant increase in some bird species this year. Most obviously, and I’m certain of this, are goldfinches. There seem to be another half dozen at every turn, and the noise they make is incredible.
There are certainly more blackbirds too. Not least in the nest in my workshop - here are the four that have hatched in my workshop in the last couple of days. I think they are scrawny, ugly little things but I get a chorus of “AAAWWWWW” when I show folks this pic. The psychology of human attraction to infants of other species is way over my head.
Serena has noticed more swallows and reckon there are more too, but other expert observers are suggesting they have seen less. It could be they have moved a little.
It could be that the increase in some species is due to changing farming practices such as Matt and Laura Elliot have been implementing on Sandy Hill farm, and I certainly attribute the goldfinches to that. But there seem to be more insects around too. I hope we get a return of the spotted flycatcher - not seen now for 3 or 4 years. Keeping species numbers up is pretty vital to the local environment.
Let me know your observations and I’ll share them.
Some notices:
- A reminder that Monday 19th May is the annual village meeting. It’s important, I think.
- A note from Richard Boothby, whose concert in Windrush is scheduled tomorrow (Friday) evening - the start time has slipped by 30 minutes to 18.30.
- Subscriptions etc. It’s all free. If you get this newsletter it is because in the past you have asked to receive them, or you have actively subscribed. If you are happy with that you need not do any more. But, by subscribing via “substack” you also have access to some “notes” I post - typically nature pics from alongside the Brook that don’t warrant their own newsletter. No pressure, do what suits you, and if I’m boring you, you can switch it all off. There’s also access to other stuff on Substack but no need to look if it’s too much. Below are some recent “notes”.
