The stillness of Spring welcomed us to RSPB Haweswater on Monday, with a warm kiss of the sun. Walking up the track towards the hide, Naddle Forest was alive with bird song.
Our resident species are already making a start of the breeding season, Great Tit, Blue Tit, Chaffinch, Nuthatch, Blackbird, Song Thrush, Coal Tit all sang from the tree tops. Green Woodpeckers yaffled in the distance, and Great Spotted Woodpeckers drummed on their territorial trees.
Great Spotted Woodpeckers aren’t songsters, and can’t defend territories or attract mates waxing lyrical, but instead they use specifically chosen dead trees to drum. Shock absorbers in their skulls prevent a nasty headache, so the sound resonates through the entire woodland!
They certainly stole the show at the hide, with up to four birds visiting at once. Accompanied by the Red Squirrels, and the other regular visitors.
We’re looking forward to finally opening our Woodland Wildlife Hide later this Spring, following the recent government announcement. Find out more about the Woodland Wildlife Hide here.
– Cain