A REVIEW OF 2019 - PART 4/4

At this time every year I take a look back at how the garden changed during the year.

This is the final of four posts that have chartered the changing view of the garden; October to December, as winter approaches.

OCTOBER

NOVEMBER

DECEMBER

MORE FLOODS AND COLD NIGHTS, AS BIRDS RETURN TO THE GARDEN

The weather already in November has meant the lane as become a river twice, which is astonishing because I’ve only seen it like this about six times in the 12 years we’ve lived here.

It did the same last month and, given the amount of rain we’ve had, any downpours will simply tip the water levels well over the limit again.

The moorhens living around the pond and stream have been seen quite often recently, presumably trying to escape any potential danger from the fast-flowing water.

In the garden the leaves from the surrounding deciduous trees are covering the lawn, so I hope the worms and other small creatures can make full use of them.

The birds feeders are now seeing a number visitors, with blackbirds, wrens and dunnocks all being seen quite often.

I’ve heard the tawny owls calling on a couple of nights recently; it’s great to know they’re around, but I just don’t know if they stick around for the rest of the year.

There has been no sight of foxes, badgers or rabbits recently, but I’ve spotted a rat and plenty of grey squirrels at the top end of the lane, not too near the house.

If the weather manages to stop producing rain, and settle down for a bit, I hope to see and hear a little bit more of the wildlife.

The pond has now cleared up, so the water is crystal clear. Unfortunately, the oxygenating plants have perished, so in the spring I’ll get some more to help any wildlife that wants to utilise the ‘facilities’.

We did have a small tortoiseshell butterfly in the house, seemingly trying to spend the winter, but constantly being woken up by the house warming when the heating went on.

Then when I found a box to house it in the garage, it seemingly found a new place and hasn’t been seen in a week. Hopefully we’ll see it again in spring.

COOLER CONDITIONS SIGNAL WINTER DARKNESS

Not one day has passed this month (October) without rain falling. While this has been fairly represented across the UK, it must mean we’re on for a pretty wet autumn.

The flora is gradually feeling the effects of the wet and cooler weather, and with sunlight in limited supply most plant-based organisms are ‘retreating’ to their winter states.

The wildlife has been generally out of sight so far this month, with only small flocks of house sparrows visibly on a regular basis.

As we near the end of the year I’ll soon start reflecting on how the seasons change the garden, starting with how it emerges from winter into spring.

I’ll do it in quarters, starting with January to March.

With not much free time available due to work, darkness and the children, there’s plenty of work to do in the garden.

Clearing things for winter will have to wait until November, but always being mindful that wildlife will be relying on certain elements of the garden or shelter during the cold weather that winter brings.

Autumn and winter are the times of year that mean viewing wildlife that’s active in the day is limited to weekends.

It also brings opportunities to view nocturnal animals, particularly the mammals and birds (bats, badgers, owls and foxes), all of which have been seen or heard recently.

Let’s hope my daughters finally get to see a fox in the flesh – or ‘real life’ as they both say.

WINTER COLD STAYING AWAY?

November has been quite mild so far, and there’s little indication it’ll change in the near future.

It appears the weather conditions have meant the bird feeders aren’t as active as they might be, although the garden is still seeing house sparrows, blue tits and great tits.

The odd robin is now making a regular appearance, while the blackbirds have been heard a few times in the nearby trees and bushes – obviously by their alarm call.

There was a fleeting glimpse of a flock of long tailed tits, while down the lane jays, magpies, blackbirds and a great spotted woodpecker have been seen.

I’ve not seen any further evidence of badgers down the lane, although recent sightings have meant I’m confident of seeing more in the winter months.

The other large mammal around the area has also made itself known this week. A fox has been heard for two nights running calling in the early hours, and quite near the house.

After a few years of little fox or badger activity, it’s been great to see it evidenced recently, while tawny owls have also come back to the area after years of absence.

Perhaps the more elusive wildlife is back to stay, let’s hope so.