Kestrels have bred in the valley in each of the last few years. Although one year they were unceremoniously turfed out half way through by Tawny Owls. Mortality amongst young birds is very high with only about 30% making it through to the next summer. This bird, beautifully captured by Ros is an adult male: probably from last year’s pair. It seems that males are more likely to remain on territory during the winter whilst females more often find another site fairly locally and then return in the spring.
There must be a pretty good vole population in the roughs of the golf course.
Meanwhile, Steve and I fixed the bridge at the top of Spring Wood in the beautiful winter sunshine.
Friends of Gill Beck Valley 