Last week the Bluebells (Hyacinthoides non-scripta) were just beginning to open. I always look forward to seeing these delicate flowers appear; it brings such joy to see their destinctive shade of blue on mass. Although not yet in full bloom, as I knelt down to take photographs I caught their delicate aroma.
Then later the same day, I got my first sighting of a Common carder (Bombus pascuorum) bee of the year, as it took advantage of the apple tree blosom.
I will never tire of hearing birdsong, it’s a wonderful soundtrack to have as I work. Not only is birdsong relaxing to me but it gives me the opportunity to keep learning too. The bird I became most aware of last Tuesday was the Nuthatch (Sitta europaea). Amongst all the birds I could here on that day, this was the clearest (it can be heard here on the RSPB website).
Unfortunately I didn’t get to see it. Having never seen one before I would have loved to see it’s mostly bluish grey and chestnut plumage (with hints white along with a black stripe across the eyes).
Similar in size to a Great tit (Parus major) these birds resemble a small Woodpecker as they climb trees. Nuthatches can be seen clinging to trunks or branches, as they climb up or down headfirst (the only British bird to descend trees in this way). They forage for insects and invertebrates, as well as feast on seeds and nuts (including beechmasts, hazel nuts and acorns) using tree crevices to store food for later. They also bury food and hide it beneath stones.
Nuthatches are found in mixed broadleaf woodlands, parkland or urban gardens which have sufficient tree cover; occasionally eating from bird feeders. They particularly like areas with mature Oak (Quercus) trees. There was an established Oak nearby where I worked, so perhaps that’s where it was singing from.
They remain close to the nesting site where they fledged and are mostly seen in England and Wales; although their range is expanding into Scotland. Nests are holes in trees such as old Woodpecker nests.
Bee in the Moment 