Saturday morning, the 11th May saw me bird watching with my son at the Reserve. A quick scan of the Badger Sett revealed a surprise, the Badgers are dragging Sycamore leaves and young shoots in to the Sett. We were fascinated by this and followed the trail for quite a long way, they even seemed to be dragging the leaves over wood piles! Bird watching was amazing with a total of 31 species at the Reserve and the Quarry. Noticed definite occupants in one of the boxes but our highlight was a Lapwing sitting by the side of the lake behind the Reserve, bonus! Joey had seen Lapwings in the farmland in Cuttlebrook Lane but I hadn't managed to find them - yet.

International Dawn Chorus Day

Sunday May 5th, set my alarm for 4.30a.m, thought I would go to the Reserve to hear the Dawn Chorus and it was definitely worth it. Heard a very loud, harsh cawing from one of the high up nests.

Badgers and Birds

Finally got the energy to go Badger watching on 4th May. Changed my place and stood, very still, next to the double tree. As the sun faded away the chorus of Tawny Owls was absolutely amazing! It began in the small copse in Temple Lane and the Reserve Owls soon joined in, wonderful. I kept being surprised by small birds who I though were rather late going to roost, until I realised, they were little bats flitting around me. saw something large in the grass out of the corner of my eye, too scared to move in case I frightened it. turned out to be a beautiful fox who came within a few feet of me. I watched him right across the field where I saw another shape that I'm sure was a Badger then it became impossible to see. Great night though.

Quick visit tonight revealed that the Badgers are now busy dragging Bluebell leaves in to the sett, they must be relieved to find green stuff at last. Sadly there were more beer bottles and who ever is going there is also ripping branches off young trees and flinging them in the brook - why? Some education is called for I think.

Blooming Beautiful!

Reserve really starting to blossom now, Wood Anemones, Violets, Moschatel, Coltsfoot, Saxifrage and of course the wonderful Butterbur all looking amazing when the sun shines. The smell of garlic is just everywhere. It's that great time for birdwatching now, all the birds are busy but there are still not enough leaves to hide them. This morning we saw or heard 25 different species including Nuthatches, Treecreepers, Green Woodpecker, Chiff chaffs,Blackcap and more. Just as we were leaving there was a real commotion above us and at first I thought it was the Sparrowhawk but it turned out to be a Thrush having a real go at a Crow, the plucky little bird suceeded in chasing the Crow right across the field!
Sadly not everyone visits the reserve to enjoy it's beauty as I found out when I had to remove certain items of litter today. Stuff like lighters and empty booze bottles really do seem out of place amidst all that natural beauty.

Guided Walk

Temple Balsall Nature Reserve

 Guided Walk

Sunday 5th May 2013 at 2 pm

Meet at the Main Car Park in Fen End Road

Adults £2

Just realised - now I'm going to start moaning about the sad lack of Butterflies, check out the photos on 12th March 2012.