Nature Notes – January 2025

By Andy Johnston

2025 could be the 3rd warmest year since records began. Increased temperatures encourage more exotic plants and animals to colonise Britain. Little egrets, a rare sight around the village 10 years ago, are now common-place. The colonisation process varies according to species. The little egret has spread quickly, whereas it has taken the avocet over 60 years to reach and breed at Nosterfield. The following birds have been seen locally (although currently not necessarily breeding): white stork, crane, spoonbill, and glossy ibis; all are water birds responding to the increase in wetlands such as those at Nosterfield, Ripon, Marfield, and Teesside.

The downside of climate warming is the increase in heavy rainfall which can devastate ground nesting birds, such as grey partridge and grouse. Worryingly, there has been a significant loss of songbirds around Scruton, with wintering flocks of finches, larks and pipits virtually non-existent. It may be due to natural environmental impacts (e.g. bird flu). In my opinion the 2019 law banning the killing of crows/magpies is a significant factor. In the past there were no crows or magpies in village gardens. On a brighter note, on 21 December (winter solstice) a peacock butterfly was seen, and a sheltered hawthorn bush with a branch in full leaf, it’s flower buds nearly open!