Nature Notes

At the time of writing the late autumn and early winter have been unusually warm and mild and almost frost free, not often the case in Lydden. These balmy conditions have extended the moth trapping season, with interesting species such as November moth and feathered thorn being seen regularly in the trap. One of my favourites is the green brindled crescent which at first glance may be a little brown job but closer inspection reveals very attractive green scales on the wings.

The autumnal movement of goldfinch is a distinct feature of migration in east Kent, at some costal areas over 3000 a day can be seen moving through. It seems that some of the birds on passage have decided that our village is to their liking with a flock of over sixty birds being in resident in the gardens around the Close and on the Downs for a number of weeks.

A slightly more unusual visitor seen a few weeks ago was a rough-legged buzzard. It was seen in the company of several common buzzards just to the south of Lydden Hill. They are a scarce winter visitor in Kent. And can be told from their more abundant cousins by distinct black carpal patches on the underside of the wings and a dark belly patch. They have a very pale tail with a black band at the tip. They often hunt for prey by hovering like a huge kestrel. Sadly it did not hang around for long so I missed out on adding it to my Lydden list, but perhaps coincidentally one appears to be wintering at the gravel pit on the edge of Hythe, not far as the buzzard flies.

Enjoy the winter wildlife,
Paul Holt