Aston Rowant NNR (South)

Up in the hills today! A late Autumn (early Winter) walk over Aston Rowant NNR (South). The temperature varied between 6°C and 7°C; it was damp underfoot with mist patches.

The following were of note.

Flora:

I noted that at least 2 spikes of Yellow-wort (Blackstonia perfoliata) were in bud and suspect the flowers would open should the sun ever come out. The stands of Juniper (Juniperus communis) were impressive with some re-generation noted. Finally, the Hazel (Corylus avellana) catkins made a great show and gave a hint that Spring will come after we have lived through the depths of Winter!

Juniper (Juniperus communis)

Birds:

17 species were seen and/or heard and recorded in BirdTrack (http://www.bto.org/birdtrack/). Not that great but my sightings did include some choice views of three Winter visitors.

• Finch flocks were much in evidence but the best sight was 10+ Brambling (Fringilla montifringilla) feeding around the top of an Ash (Fraxinus excelsior) and a Common Whitebeam (Sorbus aria). Not a particularly rare species but one not often observed by me.

• Fieldfares (Turdus pilaris) heard plus good views of Redwing (Turdus iliacus) obtained.

Mammals:

5+ Fallow deer (Dama dama) noted and 2 Roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) seen.