hidden in the blind
Whilst roaming the local countryside day after day and across all seasons, I would observe and make notes on all I saw in the way of living things. Nothing escaped my attention. I never missed an opportunity to see something wonderful and have been ‘blown away’ by the wondrous things I have witnessed. I would now like to share once more one of these magical moments with you.
During the winter months flocks of our native Chaffinch gather together in same sex groups, but as spring takes over they will come together and head for the woods.
In amongst the flocks you will see the Bramble Finch a near relative of the Chaffinch, a beautiful bird of similar size and shape, but which has a distinctive white rump shown when they rise. They come from distant Scandinavia to over winter here in our milder climate. They will flit together feeding on grain and any other wild food they may procure.
Deep within the woods where the beautiful Beech tree (Fagus Sylvaticus) grows, and where the Bluebells lie in a carpet of misty purple, their beauty enhanced by the tender greenery of the ferns now unfolding their delicate fronds; these are known as crosiers or bishop’s crooks and have a beauty all of their own. Where they flourish, the wild garlic with its broad glossy leaves and heads of delicate white flowers also grow, carpeting areas of the woodland floor and filling the air with their scent. The mature Beech known as the ‘Queen of the Woods’ can live up to an average of 220 years and sometimes beyond and is a good place to observe Chaffinches at their best, to learn their habits and their songs. The male can sing as many as 13 songs and has 6 variable calls.
When he is in high condition (ready to mate) he performs a wonderful mating dance for his chosen bride to observe. I have watched him caressing her with his tender wings, gently stroking her then dance for her yet again. This whole affair can last up to 30 minutes, a beautiful ‘goose bump’ moment. Nesting now starts in earnest. They usually have two nests of youngsters, however, during mast year when the capsules of the beechnut are plump and full of kernels, this happens every seven years in this area, they will rear an extra nest of young, this is when there is an influx of our native finch.
Having been an aviculturist for many years and knowing their preferred food for rearing healthy young chicks, I was able to develop a culture of white worms which took many months to mature, the timing of which was critical to their breeding cycle.
With an abundant supply of their favourite food, I set out for the local woods which after visiting for over forty years I knew intimately. I chose the Beech tree where I would bury this bounty to establish and multiply. A marker was placed next to the tree highlighting the area. Revisiting the site daily I checked on the progress of the culture which was growing at an astonishing rate in the moist leaf litter beneath the tree. In the early morning light, and waiting patiently hidden in the blind, I watched as the parent birds brought their chicks to feed on this irresistible supply of live food.
During my daily visits to the woods with my two dogs and having created an irresistible food supply for the birds, I was able to gain their confidence and sat at the base of the tree. The birds came down like beautiful butterflies all around me, feeding in a frenzy until they had their fill.
The air was full of sound, the birds fussed at me when I entered their world. I then halted under a tree and allowed the rhythm to die away. A deep hush descended, no sound touched my ear, and only the moist pungent odour of my surroundings saluted my nose. Suddenly the birds alighted all around me and in a wonderful peaceful landscape I felt a strange sensation grip my heart, and joy flooded my whole body. Close by a lady walking her dog had stopped in her tracks to witness the scene around me; she stood completely quiet and still, smiling in disbelief at what she observed. She too was lost in wonder, no words passed between us but as I left the woods, I witnessed her tears of joy falling so softly. These little birds then tried their fluttering wings and trussed themselves into the air. They revealed to me that animals have far more awareness and knowhow than they have ever been given credit for.
