Wildlife diary: Autumn 2009

Wherever there are trees, you’ll notice the stunning autumn colours on show. Early morning walks could well be through mists hanging in the chilly air. If so, look out for the spectacular effects from the mist hitting spiders’ webs. From almost any location, at the start of the season, you’re likely to see flocks of migrating birds heading south for the winter; and on the shores and estuaries you might see birds roosting and feeding in the shallows and mud flats. Fungi will be growing in hedgerows and woodland, and orchards will soon be ready to harvest their apples. Together with ripened berries – such as rosehips (orangey red), hawthorn (bright red) and blackberries – they make ideal foods not only for us, but for many animals stocking up for the harsh times ahead. Our native birds will be vying with visitors such as redwings, fieldfares and waxwings, to feast on these delicacies. With Britain’s warming climate, insects and animals are being seen later and later so you’ll still find butterflies, moths, beetles and slugs well into autumn – ideal for hedgehogs and other animals who feed on them. The warmer winters also mean foreign bird species like the blackcap are now becoming British residents. Out in the hills and moors (or urban country parks like Richmond) you might catch a glimpse of the red deer’s annual rut. A truly spectacular sight – and noisy too! – but one that’s difficult to see first-hand. Just as entertaining are the antics of the common or garden grey squirrels that will be busily stocking up food for winter.

Image: Gaudete/soil-net.com