WWA Wildlife Reports - October 2003
4th October 2003
Pair of adult swan overflew site in early week. Geese have been
flying in travelling skeins for weeks now. Autumn colours are
gorgeous this year, the long hot Summer has increased the sugars
in the leaves and they are showing well, Dogwoods, Guelder rose,
Spindles, Joe's vine, etc, etc. Enormous toad plopping about in
the Ver at the mink trap. Perhaps it is eating the bait or the
slugs that do so also.? Strange grassy 'tunnel' by the path at
the point where one can see the Water rail's hole.
11th October 2003
Autumn colours still gorgeous. Signal crayfish seen crawling
about in the Ver, about 6 of them near our inlet. Suspect Heron
may be eating them on site; if so, it can't eat enough!
Kingfisher is regularly on the main boardwalk now, and 3 Swans
have been visiting the site.
18th October 2003
Nothing to report, Site Manager away.
25th October 2003
Colours still magnificent, both on the trees and Shrubs and now
in drifts on the ground that the kids love to scuff. There are
still insects and bees about, and a few flowers still to feed
them. The Heron seems to be taking an interest in the large
Christmas tree near the Orchard and snake-heap. He has been seen
almost every day roosting or stomping about up there, and looks
very odd and comical. Kingfisher has now ventured to perch up on
the bank at Riverside Road end of Mere - very bold.
Next (November 2003)