SK SPECIES ANIMALS

The garden serves as a thoroughfare for some larger animals and a home range for others which actually live in the garden. The same too is true for birds and even insects and even amphibians. Some come to the garden attracted for some specific reason, water, nectar, refuge and singing posts are some.

Mammals

A fox was found dead in the garden in the early 2000’s after being hit by something probably a car. The occasional Brown Rat has made an appearance and mice, Voles and Shrews are sure to be regular in the garden. Signs also of Rabbits and Badgers. Other species to look out for are Moles, Weasels and Hedgehogs.

Birds

These may be split into regulars including nesting species, occasional visitors and flyovers if one wishes to count those.

There are nestboxes and scrub areas which allow a certain number of species to nest in the garden. Regular proven nesters include Blue and Great Tits < >,
Dunnock(above third right) and and Blackbird (above far right) while Wren, Long-tailed Tit and Chaffinch have probably bred in recent years. Regular visitors not listed above include Starling, Song Thrush, Goldfinch, Greenfinch, Goldcrest, Wood Pigeon, Carrion Crow, Magpie, Jackdaw. Less common visitors include Nuthatch, Coal Tit, Mistle Thrush, Fieldfare (winter), and Jay. In the summer Chiffchaff, Blackcap and Willow Warbler are fairly regular. Birds that are in the area and often fly over or through the garden include Raven, Swallow and various Gulls. Below are featured Long-tailed Tit, Robin, Song Thrush and Siskin.

Amphibians

Great Crested Newts have been recorded in the past and I found one myself about 5 years ago – so they are probably still using the pond. Toad and possibly frog have also been recorded.

Butterflies

The Speckled Wood which is a woodland butterfly is probably the most often seen species. Small Tortoiseshell, Peacock and Comma are all regular in the Spring after hibernation while Large and Small Whites occur later on. We have also recorded Holly Blue, the caterpillar of which feeds on Holly and Ivy berries depending on which brood. The spectacular Brimstone butterfly has made the odd appearance as have Painted Lady and Orange Tip. Featured below from left to right are orange tip, comma, peacock and speckled wood

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