Wildlife Update

The spell of warm weather in February and March certainly fooled much of our wildlife into thinking Spring had arrived and butterflies in particular put on a good show with Brimstones, Peacocks and Orange-tips seen frequently on the Commons. 

With Snowdrops, Cowslips, Bluebells and Primrose coming in to bloom, and trees well in leaf, the Commons are coming out of their winter slumber. 

Bird migration is also starting with Blackcaps started arriving early in mid-March, and are now arriving in quite significant numbers.  One of our regular recorders spotted the first Swallow on the Commons on 5th April at Rushmere.

Other sightings have included significant numbers of Teal at Ashlone Wharf and Fieldfare on Putney Lower Common in January, an early Grey Wagtail along the Beverley Brook in February, and of course the Dartford Warbler also in January.  The Firecrest at Putney Vale have been making us aware of their presence and we are hopeful that they are now resident and  breeding.

Kestrel Box

We have been very fortunate in having a Kestrel box made for the Commons and this has now been put up on the Heathland near Kingsmere where it is being monitored in the hope that it will be used by a breeding pair. 

As always, we welcome reports of any wildlife you see particularly, as we come into May, any sighting of Stag Beetles.  Do please contact us at the Ranger's Office

Swans

The swans on Queensmere are spending a lot of time on the nesting platforms in the middle of the pond so, fingers crossed, they will breed again this year.