February 1
A walk in the western ridge area, with extensive meadows and woodland beyond.
I was searching for fieldfare and pheasant, although saw neither.
Several ring-necked parakeets seen, most together three.
February 6
Lots of lords and ladies coming through in the hedgerows and sheltered areas.
February 7
Magpie with nesting materials in its beak heading into woodland across the lane.
February 10
Four ravens soaring high over woodland on the eastern slope.
February 11
First amphibian of the year, a pair of common frogs locked together in the main garden pond. Looking forward to spawn in due course.
February 12
A very late dusk walk through woodland, looking for a tawny owl. Didn’t see one though but still very enjoyable.
February 15
A walk along the lane in anticipation of the amphibian migration of common frogs and common toads.
There’s more in the video.
February 20
Lots of scarlet elf cup fungi in the woods.
February 23
Two ravens soaring over the wooded eastern slope.
Jackdaws c.10 feeding on meadow alongside Sandyfields Road.
February 25
Marsh tit in hedgerow alongside Arcal Road. A new sighting for the year (44) and a first for the valley.
February 26
The video below features a nature walk in the valley.
February 27
Two separate sightings of little egrets, both flying south to north along the base of the valley.