If anyone sees any of the above could they please report where and when they have been seen. As far as is known the officer has been appointed for a period of three years.

The winter period has been particularly quiet but there are disturbing reports that a sparrow hawk has taken a liking to greater spotted woodpeckers and is taking them as a food source.

Most reports have been of birds of prey, and there has been an occasional “harrier species,” one or two buzzards looking over the area, and little owls have been showing themselves more regularly. Barn owls have figured prominently and there seems to be a healthy population in the area, there is also a sighting of a short-eared owl hunting during the daytime.

Five waxwings stayed around a village garden for two days but have now moved on and a small band of long-tailed tits have started frequenting nut feeders. Blackbirds with touches of white round the head and in the tail feathers continue to be seen regularly. Early nesting rooks had a big disappointment when the nests they were starting to build were unceremoniously blown out of the trees.

There are, however, early signs of spring with species like chaffinches beginning to get their breeding plumage, and periodic squabbles of other birds starting to establish territories.