In my last post it was all about Storm Ciara; this time it’s
about Storm Dennis and the resulting impact from the combination of both
storms.
To say it’s been a bit rainy and windy, would be a huge understatement.
During particularly heavy rain and strong winds, the wildlife has been
virtually invisible in the garden.
The birds have definitely made use of the feeders though,
with the peanuts and fat snacks being devoured quicker than for many months.
The garden, roads and small streams are soaking, with the
streams regularly overflowing onto the road.
Sadly, the nearest stream has been dredged and the small
fish are no longer being seen when I walk by, which means the chances of seeing
a kingfisher again are negligible.
I’ll keep checking just in case they’re under a nearby
tunnel, and see just how the weather conditions impact the newly dredged
stream.
The storms, and continued strong winds, have taken their
toll on the flora, including the large old tree that was knocked over, that I mentioned in the last post – knocking out phone and
internet for ten days.
The tree was a nesting and resting site for a few birds,
with great tits nesting in the ivy-ridden trunk for a couple of years.
Perhaps when looking elsewhere they’ll see my nest boxes and
take up the offer of a breeding site opportunity.
Despite the constant stormy conditions, the dawn chorus is
starting to gather pace, with the robins (who’ve been singing almost constantly
through winter), being joined by wrens, song thrushes, blackbirds, blue tits,
great tits and the odd magpie with their crackling calls.
I’m sure nesting will start soon for the smaller birds,
while the likes of the magpies and nearby crows, are already constructing nests
in larger trees.
