If you go down to the wood
It’s a great little bird which you’d be lucky to find these days. As with many species its numbers have plummeted, but it wasn’t that common in the first place.
Big-beaked and bold, the hawfinch is colourful, perky and a thrill to watch fluttering amongst the branches.
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Hide AdWith its massive beak, black eyestripe and bib, orange head and underparts, what's not to like?
There is a place which is known for these little beauties in our area. Although I’m not guaranteeing that you’ll see one, this location is well-known for harbouring them which ups the chances somewhat.
Dyscarr Wood nature reserve, on the Nottinghamshire/South Yorkshire border west of Langold, not too far east of Dinnington and North Anston, is a 17 hectare woodland delight. It’s a Site of Special Scientific Interest to boot.
Amongst the 50 or so bird species spotted at Dyscarr Wood nature reserve, is the aforementioned hawfinch, along with other members of the finch clan such as the brambling.
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Hide AdThere are also woodpeckers (all three British species), an array of raptors and little and tawny owls. basically the birds you’d just love to spot on a journey into a British woodland.
The trees are ash, birch, oak and sycamore, alongside hazel and hawthorn. There is also dogwood, field maple, blackthorn and native privet.
Flower-wise there are also beautiful orchids, including the fly orchid and common spotted orchid.
In Spring you can see wood anemone and wild garlic, as well as yellow archangel, enchanter’s nightshade and sweet woodruff.
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Hide AdHow to get to this little woodland gem? Take the A60 road from Tickhill to Worksop until you come to Langold. Turn onto Ramsden Avenue then Church Street. The entrance to the reserve (SK581867) is at the southern edge of the reserve leading to Church Street which is opposite the entrance to Langold Park. From there paths will lead you into the wood.
Contact the Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust to find out more. about membership and activities.
LINK TO TRUST WEBSITE:
You can find out more about the Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust at http://www.nottinghamshirewildlife.org/
If you want to read past Bird Brain features, they are at:
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