Bird Population Study at Le Bosquet — 2006

An ornithological project in cooperation with Jean Collette and GONm.

In 2004 Jean Collette of the Groupe Ornithologique Normand (GONm) kindly agreed to select our tiny farm in the Norman Bocage as a site for a long-term study of its permanent, seasonal and migratory bird population. By carefully noting any changes in the immediate and adjacent environment, we hope that from regular censuses over a period of time we may learn more about our resident and visiting bird populations. (See also Small Farm Structures in the Bocage Virois.)

We are extremely grateful to Jean 'William' Collette for his constant help, advice and regular visits to compile the census information which appears below. When he began his monthly visits in 2004, we were sufficiently impressed by the numbers of birds he was able to identify. By 2006 we were astonished to find him recording, flora, fauna and fungi in extraordinary detail. "Merci, cher William! Quel travail, quelle diligence, quel bonheur!".

For the fullest information from these censuses, please click on the small graphics to see the detailed analysis and the consistency and frequency statistics for each species.

Explication en français: cliquez sur les petites images pour les voir agrandies et pour y trouver en français:

La constance est le rapport, exprimé en %, entre le nombre de visites où une espèce est notée et le nombre total de visites. Exemple: une espèce vue au cours de la moitié des relevés a une constance de 50%.
La fréquence est le rapport, exprimé en %, entre le nombre d'individus d'une espèce, comptés au cours d'une sortie, et le nombre total d'oiseaux comptés au cours de cette visite. Exemple: 100 oiseaux, toutes espèces confondues, ont été comptés au cours d'une visite. Le merle qui est représenté par exemple par 30 individus, est caractérisé par une fréquence de 30% au cours de cette visite.

Introduction — 2004 — 2005 — 2006 — 2007 — 2008 — 2009 — 2010 — 2011 — 2012 — 2013 — 2014

Censuses by Jean Collette. Compilation by Christopher Long

Visit 15 — 08-08-2006

Visit 10 — 16-03-2006

19. On 19-12-2006 the following species were recorded (9:20 - 10:45; sunny, cold, no wind):

• Present at Le Bosquet:
  • Sparrow (Moineau Domestique) (18) around the farm buildings
  • Chaffinch (Pinson des Arbres) (18)
  • Blackbird (Merle) (20)
  • Robin (Rouge-gorge) (21)
  • Great Tit (Mésange Charbonnière) (16)
  • Dunnock (Accenteur) (15)
  • Song Thrush (Grive Musicienne) (12)
    
  • Magpie (Pie) (15)
  • Wren (Troglodyte) (13)
  • Bullfinch (Bouvreuil) (12)
  • Redwing (Grive Mauvis) (8)
  • Carrion Crow (Corneille) (13)
  • Mistle Thrush (Grive Draine) (15)
  • Blue Tit (Mésange Bleue) (14)
  • Starling (Etourneau) (11) singing near farm buildings

    Above left and right: The remains of a Blackcap (Fauvette à Tête Noire) has fallen prey to a predator:
    (left) the kill as found in the Valley and (right) some of the plumage reassembled for study.
    Below left and right: Within a month the abundant hedgerow berries and fruits have been picked clean, as here where only a few half-eaten Medlar remain.

• Overflying or nearby:
  • Jay (Geai) (12)
  • Great Spotted Woodpecker (Pic Epeiche) (13)
  • Collared Turtle Dove (Tourterelle Turque) (17) singing
  • White Wagtail (Bergonette Grise) (9)
  • Wren (Troglodyte) singing nearby
  • Robin (Rouge-gorge) singing nearby

• Notes:
  • Start of cold weather: little bird activity
  • The hawthorn and holly berries have all been eaten, as well as the Medlar and Spindle-tree (fusain), which would explain the low numbers of birds counted
  • The two bullfinches recorded were eating the dried remains of blackberries on the brambles

    Above left: The first really cold day of winter (combined with an early fog that soon cleared) meant that few birds were active within the refuge.
    Above right: Dried blackberries were still in profusion in the hedgerows well into December, though by the time of this census they had nearly all been eaten by Bullfinches (Bouvreuil) feeding up for the winter.

  • A feather from a Blackcap (Fauvette à Tête Noire) judging from its appearance at a kill in the Valley under the bank below Middle B: it is remarkable that this species has still been here so late in the year
  • Regarding the recently replaced medium-voltage electric power line which follows the line from Far field to Top A: several trees [oak and ash] have been beheaded but the damage has been limited thanks to the efforts of C. Long. We note the limited professional attention given to the project by the contractors who have hung the cable from posts above the hedge rather than adjacent and parallel to it, as planned. This error will have consequences for the future management of the hedge and will require more draconian treatment than was originally foreseen. Presumably this unintelligent approach, applied over many kilometres, will have serious consequences for the hedgerows of the Bocage Virois. [N.B. The original three-phase uninsulated power lines ran over concrete pylons which stood in the middle of fields and made farming very difficult. The newly re-aligned single insulated cable was intended to follow the line of the hedges but to use angled 'brackets' to keep it away from growing trees. The finished result leaves the fields clear of concrete pylons but has, however, serious negative consequences for the growth of trees and hedgerows.]

18. On 15-11-2006 the following species were recorded (8:40 - 10:05; mild, overcast, light wind SW 16° C):

• Present at Le Bosquet:
  • Redwing (Grive Mauvis) (7) numerous groups in hedgerows
  • Song Thrush (Grive Musicienne) (11) in hedgerows including a group of 7
  • Robin (Rouge-gorge) (20) 1 singing
  • Greenfinch (Verdier) (17)
  • Blackbird (Merle) (19)
  • Chaffinch (Pinson des Arbres) (17)
  • Bullfinch (Bouvreuil) (11)
    
  • Sparrow (Moineau Domestique) (17)
  • Wren (Troglodyte) (12) 1 singing
  • Magpie (Pie) (14)
  • Dunnock (Accenteur) (14) 1 singing nearby
  • Firecrest (Roitelet Triple Bandeau) (5)
  • Fieldfare (Grive Litorne) (3) with the Redwings
  • Blue Tit (Mésange Bleue) (13)
  • Mistle Thrush (Grive Draine) (14)
  • Sparrow Hawk (Épervier) (2) 1 female
    

    Right and above left: Among numerous hedgrow fruits are those known as Medlar. In Normandy, the 'nèfles', the fruit of the 'néflier' (= Mespilus germanica), are known as 'mêles' – there being a link between the native name and the latin Mespilus.
    Above right: Using the steep fall in the land in Middle E, this new fox earth is cleverly positioned in such a way that the animal can travel between two large areas of land without having to jump over the electric fence. There is almost certainly a second hole in the steep bank on the other side of the hedge.

• Overflying or nearby:
  • Water Pipit (Pipit Spioncelle) (2) 1
  • Meadow Pipit (Pipit Farlouse) (8) 1
  • Collared Turtle Dove (Tourterelle Turque) (16) singing
  • Pied Wagtail (Bergeronnette Grise) (?)
  • Carrion Crow (Corneille) (13)
  • Goldfich (Chardonneret) (10) 1
  • Great Spotted Woodpecker (Pic Epeiche) (12)
  • Starling (Etourneau) (10)
  • Mallard (Colvert) (2) 7 in flight towards the river Vire
  • Grey Wagtail (Bergeronnette des Ruisseaux) (7)

    Above and below: Hawthorn and holly berries found on the ground beneath the hedgerow: but the beak marks in the fruit show they have been picked by birds – notably thrushes and blackbirds. Above right: Hawthorn berries have been in great abundance this year.

• Notes:
  • Impressive gathering of thrushes in the hedges (mostly Redwings, a few Song Thrushes and rare Fieldfares - the first time the latter have been seen within the refuge). These thrushes are clearly in greater numbers in portions of the hedge containing this year's impressive quantities of holly and hawthorn berries (beak marks can be seen on berries fallen to the ground). Note: in hawthorn berries on the ground, only the kernels have been eaten.
  • Hibernators or migrators: Firecrests, and overflying Water Pipits and Meadow Pipits.
  • Witnessed: the taking of a Redwing by a female Sparrow Hawk at 10h:00 at the foot of a hedge: a brief cry, just one feather left on the ground! The prey was taken off in a low flight along the hedgerow.
  • A new fox earth is being dug less than 2 metres from the hedge between Middle field and the Valley. [Most of the fields in the refuge have three-strand electric fences, at 20, 40 and 60 cms above the ground, which have usually discouraged foxes. This new location is well-chosen since it can be accessed from the north without meeting an electric fence].
  • At the time of this census new electric pylons were being set up in some hedgerows, causing some disturbance.

17. On 11-10-2006 the following species were recorded (8:45 - 10:25; mild, overcast, no wind 16° C):

• Present at Le Bosquet:
  • Starling (Etourneau) (9) group in the wild cherry in Middle B
  • Goldfich (Chardonneret) (9) probably a dormitory in oak in Middle A/B
  • Blackbird (Merle) (18) quarrelling with starlings in wild cherry in Middle B
  • Robin (Rouge-gorge) (19) 3 singing
  • Wren (Troglodyte) (11) 3 singing
  • Blue Tit (Mésange Bleue) (12)
    
  • Song Thrush (Grive Musicienne) (10) perched through the morning
  • Greenfinch (Verdier) (16) in thick hedgerow
  • Dunnock (Accenteur) (13)
  • Chaffinch (Pinson des Arbres) (16)
  • Bullfinch (Bouvreuil) (10) singing
  • Wood Pigeon (Pigeon Ramier) (15)
  • Great Tit (Mésange Charbonnière) (15) 1 singing
  • Sparrow (Moineau Domestique) (16)
  • Cirl Bunting (Bruant Zizi) (3)

    Above right and left: The perennial Water Pepper (poivre d'eau = Polygonum hydropiper) is still in flower, in beautiful colours, in the marshier areas of the Valley.

  • Collared Turtle Dove (Tourterelle Turque) (15)
  • Great Spotted Woodpecker (Pic Epeiche) (11)
  • Mistle Thrush (Grive Draine) (13) 3 in migratory flight
  • Carrion Crow (Corneille) (12)
  • Chiff-chaff (Pouillot Veloce) (12) 1 singing
  • Buzzard (Buse) (6) droppings and feather under perch post in Valley, calls exterior

• Overflying or nearby:
  • Meadow Pipit (Pipit Farlouse) (7)
  • White Wagtail (Bergonette Grise) (8)
  • Black Redstart (Rougequeue Noir) (3)
  • Linnet (Linotte) (4)
  • Lapwing (Vanneau) (2) 2
  • Skylark (Alouette de Champs) (2)
  • Kestrel (Faucon Crécerelle) (3)
  • Magpie (Pie) (13)
  • Grey Wagtail (Bergeronnette des Ruisseaux) (6)
    
  • Jay (Geai) (11)
  • Reed Bunting (Bruant des Roseaux) (?)
  • Redwing (Grive Mauvis) (6)
  • Jackdaw (Choucas) (7)

    Right (top): A Buzzard betrays its presence with droppings and plumage (as shown here) at the foot of a perch post in the Valley.

    Right (bottom): A particularly mild autumn has allowed the Dogwood (cornouiller sanguin) to flower with several fine blooms on each stem.

• 
  Notes:
  • Morning migration of passereaux in WSW direction: largely Song Thrushes but also Chaffinches, Meadow Pipits, Alouette des Champs, etc.; 2 Lapwings and a single call of a Redwing. In total, 325 Song Thrushes counted of which 305 in the first hour (8:45 - 9:45). Thrushes were perching in the hedgerowsin the course of the morning (first to do so seen at 9:23)

    Right: An A4-sized sign which the Groupe Ornithologique Normand (GONm) proposes to offer to members who consider their gardens or land should be regarded as a safe refuge for birds.

  • The particularly mild season has allowed the Dogwood (Cornouiller Sanguin) to flower ( one stem bearing several flowers); a pair of Magpies are building a nest high in a pine tree just outside Le Bosquet [Middle D]. Singing by some Robins, Wrens, Chiffchaffs, Great Tits, and Bullfinches
  • As on 13 Oct 2005, the Oak in Middle B is being used as a dormitory by a group of Goldfinches
  • The perennial Water Pepper (poivre d'eau = Polygonum hydropiper) is still in flower in beautiful colours "old rose" in the marshy parts of the Valley

16. On 18-09-2006 the following species were recorded (8:40 - 10:15; sunny then variable, temperature mild):

• Present at Le Bosquet:
  • Sparrow (Moineau Domestique) (15) group and individuals around hedges
  • Linnet (Linotte) (3) group perched in wild cherry tree (Middle B)
  • Robin (Rouge-gorge) (18) 5 singing
  • Chiff-chaff (Pouillot Veloce) (11) individuals, calls by young
  • Greenfinch (Verdier) (15)
  • Wren (Troglodyte) (10) one immature singing
  • Blue Tit (Mésange Bleue) (11) 1 singing
  • Chaffinch (Pinson des Arbres) (15)
    

    Right: Large numbers of Red Admiral butterflies are among the numerous insects feeding on over-ripe blackberries – which are in abundance this year, though largely tasteless. The black portions of the wings absorb heat from the sun, enabling the insect to fly; the red portions serve as a warning to potential predators

  • Bullfinch (Bouvreuil) (9)
  • Blackcap (Fauvette à Tête Noire) (6) 1 brief call
  • Great Tit (Mésange Charbonnière) (15) 1 singing (others near the refuge)
  • Swallow (Hirondelle de Cheminée) (9) 2 entering sheep byre
  • Jay (Geai) (10)
  • Wood Pigeon (Pigeon Ramier) (14) mating flight
  • Magpie (Pie) (12)
  • Blackbird (Merle) (17) one seen beside maize field where it shelters
  • Hobby (Hawk) (Faucon Hobereau) (1) 1 hunting dive over the Cottage

• Overflying or nearby:
  • Carrion Crow (Corneille) (11)
  • Collared Turtle Dove (Tourterelle Turque) (14)
  • Starling (Etourneau) (8)
  • Dunnock (Accenteur) (12)
  • Meadow Pipit (Pipit Farlouse) (6)
  • Song Thrush (Grive Musicienne) (9)
  • Mistle Thrush (Grive Draine) (12)

    Above: The berries of the Dogwood are in profusion this year, as are those of the Hawthorn, Blackthorn, as well as Rose Hips and Blackberries. A late Spring, hot summer and very wet autumn must have played their part.

• Notes:
  • Very large group of Swallows (75+) and House Martins (45+) hunting for a while over the farm
  • Meadow Pipits, calling in flight, migrating towards the south-west
  • Numerous Red Admiral butterflies (Vulcains = Vanessa atalanta) seen on the very large numbers of blackberries, much of which are over-ripe owing to recent high rainfall. Other insects also present on this decaying fruit – mostly flies of different sorts
  • The group of linnets are behaving interestingly, flying backwards and forwards from the hedge in Middle A/B and the tall wild Cherry. It remains to be seen if this is a dormitory group using the nearby tall Ash tree alongside the Goldfinches who had a dormitory there in 2005 (too late in the day to see whether they are still there)

    Above: The remains of Dung Beetles, found on fence posts, having been eaten by a predatory bird such as a Magpie, Jay or Crow.

  • Abundant fruit on hedgerow shrubs such as Hawthorn, Blackthorn and Dogwood (Cornouiller Sanguin = Cornus sanguinea)
  • Impressive showing of acorns on the Pedunculate Oak (Chêne Pédonculé = Quercus robur)
  • Note the shells and remains of dung beetles (coléoptères) found on fence posts. These have been prey to a predatory bird such as a Magpie, Jay or Crow... Yves Le Monnier has kindly identified the Dung Beetles shown here as Géotrupes = Anoplotrupes stercorosus Scriba.

15. On 08-08-2006 the following species were recorded (8:30 - 10.00; sunny, variable, cloudy, east wind):

• Present at Le Bosquet:
  • Swallow (Hirondelle de Cheminée) (8) groups in flight and at least 21 together
  • Sparrow (Moineau Domestique) (14) around the buildings
  • Greenfinch (Verdier) (14) calls by young in flight demanding food
  • Bullfinch (Bouvreuil) (8) family out of the nest and male singing
  • Wren (Troglodyte) (9) one singing and a young male singing
  • Robin (Rouge-gorge) (17) 1 singing briefly and calls by young
  • Blackbird (Merle) (17) calls by young
  • Spotted Flycatcher (Gobemouche Gris) (2) family hunting
  • Chiff-chaff (Pouillot Veloce) (10) calls by young
    
  • Blackcap (Fauvette à Tête Noire) (5) alarm cry, family
  • Goldfich (Chardonneret) (8) family in flight
  • Chaffinch (Pinson des Arbres) (14) discreet!
  • Jay (Geai) (9) 2 together
  • Wood Pigeon (Pigeon Ramier) (13) singer and a quarrel
  • Great Tit (Mésange Charbonnière) (14)
  • White Wagtail (Bergonette Grise) (7) farm
  • Blue Tit (Mésange Bleue) (10)

    Above: The fruit of the Blackthorn, known as sloes (in French prunelles) is precocious and particularly impressive this year. This was the case in 2005 too – perhaps a consequence of very severe hedging and cutting-back in 2004. These berries are used at Le Bosquet to produce apple-and-sloe jelly, a sloe liquer when steeped in calvados (apple brandy) and the more conventional 'sloe gin'.

• Overflying or nearby:
  • Collared Turtle Dove (Tourterelle Turque) (13) singing
  • Herring Gull (Goeland Argenté) (4) 19 in flight
  • Magpie (Pie) (11)
  • Starling (Étourneau) (14)
  • Carrion Crow (Corneille) (10)
  • Green Woodpecker (Pic Vert) (2)
  • Great Spotted Woodpecker (Pic Epeiche) (10)

    Above left: A Flea Beetle (coléoptère Chrysomèle = Altica brevicollis) feeding on a hazel leaf [identified by Y. Le Monnier].
    Above right: Flea Beetles are responsible for hazel leaves ravaged by numerous small holes.

• Notes:
  • Census incomplete in Top field – birds rapidly becoming shy as the morning progressed
  • Numerous family groups (Bullfinches, Chiffchaffs, Blackbirds, Robins, Wrens. Spotted Flycatchers, etc)
  • A Wren's nest built in bundle of hanging baler twine in the Byre has been occupied (lined with feathers)
  • Impressive flowering of Greater Birdsfoot Trefoil (lotier des marais = Lotus uliginosus) along the steam
  • Hazel leaves with numerous small holes produced by the Flea Beetle (coléoptère Chrysomèle = Altica brevicollis) [identified by Y. Le Monnier].
    

    Above left: This exotic day-flying moth, known in English as the Jersey Tiger (in French, Ecaille), is rare in Britain but common in Normandy, particularly on buddlea shrubs.
    Above right: Greater Birdsfoot Trefoil (lotier des marais = Lotus uliginosus).

14. On 07-07-2006 the following species were recorded (7:20-8:40; Overcast, no wind):

• Present at Le Bosquet
  • Swallow (Hirondelle de Cheminée) (7) singing, in groups of 12 and hunting
  • Sparrow (Moineau Domestique) (13)
  • Blackbird (Merle) (16) 2 singing, a family
  • Goldfich (Chardonneret) (7) 2+ immature and two singing simultaneously
  • Wood Pigeon (Pigeon Ramier) (12) 1 singing and mating flight, and a group of 3+
  • Chaffinch (Pinson des Arbres) (13) 2 singing
  • Chiff-chaff (Pouillot Veloce) (9) 2 singing, 1+ immature
  • Wren (Troglodyte) (8) 2 singing, nest in a bundle of baler twine in Byre
  • Spotted Flycatcher (Gobemouche Gris) (1) 1 singing, 1 family, 2 immature
  • Blackcap (Fauvette à Tête Noire) (4) 1 singing
  • Magpie (Pie) (10) 1 family
  • Mistle Thrush (Grive Draine) (11) Group
  • Collared Turtle Dove (Tourterelle Turque) (12) sitting in hedge beside road in far field
  • Great Tit (Mésange Charbonnière) (13)
  • Robin (Rouge-gorge) (16) 1 singing
  • Dunnock (Accenteur) (12) 1 singing
  • Greenfinch (Verdier) (13) 1 singing, 1 mating flight

• Overflying or nearby:
  • Black-headed Gull (Mouette Rieuse) (3) 1 flying
  • Bullfinch (Bouvreuil) (7)
  • Song Thrush (Grive Musicienne) (8)
  • Starling (Étourneau) (13)
  • White Wagtail (Bergonette Grise) (6)
  • Cirl Bunting (Bruant Zizi) (2) calling at La Fosse

    Above: A caterpillar (micro-lépidoptère, a member of the Psychidae family) in its protective mantle of dried grass stems, poised in a characteristic vertical position on its food source – a hazel leaf.

• Notes:
  • At least 16 Swallows perched on electric cable and in flight
  • The Wild Cherry tree in Middle B (in fruit) is defended by a couple of Blackbirds from a hedge in the Valley, chasing off other Blackbirds from outside
  • Appearance of a family of Spotted Flycatchers (Gobemouches Gris), probably from a neighbouring farm; first observation of this species at Le Bosquet
  • Families of Goldfiches (Chardonnerets), Blackbirds (Merles), Spotted Flycatchers (Gobemouches Gris) and Swallows (Hirondelles de Cheminée)
  • A wild rabbit seen near the Byre [rabbits frequently seen there recently though this is a new location for rabbits, probably using old rolls of hay as shelter and perhaps driven out to the Byre by a wild cat that hunts in the American Barn]
  • At the foot of the hedges (Valley, Middle A), presence of Wood Sage (germandrée = Teucrium scorodonia) which underlines the woodland nature of the old hedgerows (also Foxglove Digitalis; similarly Crosswort (gaillet croisette = Cruciata laevipes = Galium cruciata) under the bank in the Valley
  • A family of young Red Partidge had been spotted by a neighbouring farmer ten days earlier while an adult had often by seen by C. Long near his poultry; probably escapees from those released by a local shooting syndicate
    
  • A caterpillar (micro-lépidoptère, a member of the Psychidae family) in its protective mantle of dried grass (see photo) seen on a hazel leaf, on which it feeds.

In June 2006 no monthly census was made:

13. On 23-05-2006 the following species were recorded (6:40-8:00; variable, cold 6° C):

• Present at Le Bosquet
  • Chaffinch (Pinson des Arbres) (12) 5 singing, 7 males present
  • Greenfinch (Verdier) (12) 3 singing, 1 family in flight
  • Sparrow (Moineau Domestique) (12) 2+ singing near buildings
  • Blackbird (Merle) (15) 2 singing, 1 on the house
  • Starling (Étourneau) (12) 1 singing, 1 pair and a family out of the nest
  • Robin (Rouge-gorge) (15) 2 singing, 1 feeding
  • Chiff-chaff (Pouillot Veloce) (8) 2 singing, 1 adult hunting
  • Blackcap (Fauvette à Tête Noire) (3) 2 singing
  • Dunnock (Accenteur) (11) 2 singing
  • Wood Pigeon (Pigeon Ramier) (11) 1 singing
  • Blue Tit (Mésange Bleue) (9) 1 adult hunting and taking food to nest in neighbouring apple tree
    
  • Great Tit (Mésange Charbonnière) (12) 1 singing, 1 pair
  • Linnet (Linotte) (2) 1 singing, 1 pair, in the garden and on bare earth of pig enclosure
  • Wren (Troglodyte) (7) 2 singing near buildings
  • Bullfinch (Bouvreuil) (6) 1 male feeding on grassland, rumex, etc
  • Magpie (Pie) (9) [These appear across the property in large numbers later in the day, stealing chicks from a mother hen and perhaps eggs laid by hens and ducks – CAL]
  • Swallow (Hirondelle de Cheminée) (6) around all the buildings

    Above left: Here a Jay has dropped an acorn while perched on a fence (border of Valley and Gesnoin field) and the acorn has now begun growing as a little oak tree. In such ways are many of our native trees 'planted' (23 May).
    Above right: Grazing by sheep in the Valley has revealed a number of natural 'zones' of vegetation which are largely connected with the fact that the Valley is fed by a number of springs which produce vegetation that the sheep will not eat (23 May).

• Overflying or nearby:
  • Song Thrush (Grive Musicienne) (7) singing
  • Collared Turtle Dove (Tourterelle Turque) (11) singing
  • Mistle Thrush (Grive Draine) (10) singing
  • Great Spotted Woodpecker (Pic Epeiche) (9) calling
  • Jay (Geai) (8)
  • White Wagtail (Bergonette Grise) (5)
  • Cuckoo (Coucou) (?) singing
  • Herring Gull (Goeland Argenté) (3) sitting on land ploughed for maize

    Above: Impressive display of yellow Broom in south east corner of Middle A, where a lone hen partridge has set up home, feeding quite fearlessly alongside the chickens and ducks.

• Notes:
  • A T-shaped hawk perch has been set on on the fence, corner of Middle B/C.
  • Remarkable diversity of wild flowers in hayfields (uncut): several 'legumes': Red Clover (trèle incarnat = Trifolium pratense), Vetch (vesce = Vicia sp.), Meadow Vetchling (gesse = Lathyrus pratensis), Black Medick (luzerne lupuline = Medicago lupulina), etc., various (graminées) such as ??? (flouve odorante), and ombellifères such as ??? (génotte), etc.
  • Adult birds such a Robins, Blue Tits and Greenfinches (rouge-gorge, mésange bleue, verdier) are feeding or building nests – Starlings, Sparrows, Greenfinches (étourneau, moineau, verdier); some families out of the nest – Starlings and Greenfinches (étourneau, verdier). Some territories extend onto neighbouring properties with a nest chez le voisin, e.g. Blue Tits (mésange bleue) in the trunk of an apple tree, a family of Greenfinches (verdier) circulating between two farms, etc.
  • Beauitiful displays and scent of flowering Hawthorn (aubépines = Crataegus monogyna) in the hedgerows; clumps of Broom (genêts = Cytisus scoparius) on the corner banks near the road in Top A.
    
    Other wild flowers: Medlar (néflier = Mespilus germanica), Pignuts (génotte = Conopodium majus), Ox-eye Daisies (marguerite = Leucanthemum vulgare), Cookoo Flowers (dernières cardamines = Cardamine pratensis), Bugle (bugle rampant = Ajuga reptans), Hedge Bedstraw (gaillet mollugine = Galium mollugo)... etc.

12. On 25-04-2006 the following species were recorded (6:55-8:25; overcast, misty, no wind, 7° C):

• Present at Le Bosquet:
  • Sparrow (Moineau Domestique) (11) dormitory in laurel tree (under-counted)
  • Chaffinch (Pinson des Arbres) (11) 4 singing
  • Robin (Rouge-gorge) (14) 3 singing
  • Wood Pigeon (Pigeon Ramier) (10) two singing, one adulte leaving a nest
  • Blackbird (Merle) (14) singers not detected (time)
  • Greenfinch (Verdier) (11) 3 singing
  • Blackcap (Fauvette à Tête Noire) (2) 2 singing
  • Linnet (Linotte) (1) one male and two females sitting in wild cherry tree (Middle B)
    
  • Chiff-chaff (Pouillot Veloce) (7) 2 singing but not simultaneously
  • Dunnock (Accenteur) (10) 2 singing
  • Blue Tit (Mésange Bleue) (8) 2 singing
  • Mistle Thrush (Grive Draine) (9) couple, others singing externally
  • Great Tit (Mésange Charbonnière) (11) 2 singing
  • Wren (Troglodyte) (6) two singing (one near buildings)
  • Song Thrush (Grive Musicienne) (6) 1 singing
  • Great Spotted Woodpecker (Pic Epeiche) (8) 1 sitting in the poplars
    
  • Swallow (Hirondelle de Cheminée) (5) 1 singing in building then in flight
  • Jackdaw (Choucas) (6) 1 sitting near the house
  • Goldfich (Chardonneret) (6) sitting in the wild cherry tree (Orchard)
  • Jay (Geai) (7) 1 circling the hedges

    These pictures (above and below) show the Cave, the Cottage and the Dairy, where doors have been left open so that newly arrived Swallows can return to nests used last year, or establish new ones. In some cases Swallows' nests have been appropriated by Wrens who convert them – often very shabbily!
    
    In 2006, in the Dairy alone (below), 12 baby Swallows flew the nest on 01-06-2006 (four chicks per nest) while a second brood is expected before the end of summer. According to a study by Jean Collette the presence of Swallows appears to be closely connected to the presence of cows – but they also seem to enjoy proximity to our sheep and specifically to the insect life associated with sheep droppings...

• Overflying or nearby:
  • Cuckoo (Coucou) (?) singing
  • Tree-creeper (Grimpereau des Jardins) (4) 1 singing
  • Collared Turtle Dove (Tourterelle Turque) (10) singing
  • Carrion Crow (Corneille) (9)
  • Starling (Étourneau) (11)
  • Magpie (Pie) (8)
  • Buzzard (Buse) (5)
  • Green Woodpecker (Pic Vert) (1)
  • Black Redstart (Rougequeue Noir) (?) singing
  • Wheatear (Traquet Motteux) sitting in hay-field beside Middle A

• Notes:
  • Time of migration (Traquet Motteux) though not complete (probably more Swallows can be expected.
  • Certain raised perches very attractive to male singers; trees standing higher in hedgrows particularly full, especially related to the lie of the land. This is particularly true of the Wild Cherry in Middle B, the Valley, the tall old Holly tree in Far field, the Wild Cherry in the Orchard and even the elctric pylon in Middle A (used by one of the singing Wood Pigeons. In Far field the dead branches standing high of the hedge serve as perches for the Blackcap and Greenfinch.
    

    Above: Impressive displays of white Hawthorn flowers.
    Right: Hawthorn, if 'laid' horizontally provides a good means of filling gaps in hedges.

  • The following seen:
    • Blackthorn (Épine Noire = Prunus spinosa) in flower in hedgerows
    • Common Solomon's Seal (Sceau de Salomon = Polygonatum multiflorum) in the foot of the hedgerow (north-east corner of Middle E)
      
    • White Dead-Nettle (Lamier Blanc = Lamium album)
    • Lesser Periwinckle (Petite Pervenche = Vinca minor)
    • Greater Stitchwort (Stellaire Holostée = Stellaria holostea)
    • Hedge Bedstraw (Gaillet Mollugine = Galium mollugo).

11. On 06-04-2006 the following species were recorded (7:25-8:50; weather: sunny, cold, -3° C):

• Present at Le Bosquet:
  • Carrion Crow (Corneille) (8)
  • Chaffinch (Pinson des Arbres) (10) on high tree (territorial tension)
  • Dunnock (Accenteur) (9) four singing and quarrels on two sites
  • Sparrow (Moineau Domestique) (10) on buildings (under-counted)
  • Robin (Rouge-gorge) (13) two singing
  • Wood Pigeon (Pigeon Ramier) (9) couple, courtship
    
  • Blackcap (Fauvette à Tête Noire) (1) couple, one singing (in thick valley hedge)
  • Wren (Troglodyte) (5) two singing
  • Jay (Geai) (6) couple
  • Swallow (Hirondelle de Chemin&eactute;e) (5) couple
  • Blackbird (Merle) (13)
  • Buzzard (Buse) (4) sitting on hedge
  • Song Thrush (Grive Musicienne) (5) singing in thick valley hedge
  • Chiff-chaff (Pouillot Veloce) (6) singing in the valley
  • Willow Warbler (Pouillot Fitis) (?) singing in hedge between Valley and Middle A
  • Collared Turtle Dove (Tourterelle Turque) (9) singing among buildings
  • Greenfinch (Verdier) (10) singing in garden
  • Starling (Étourneau) (10)
  • Blue Tit (Mésange Bleue) (7)

• Overflying or nearby:
  • Grey Wagtail (Bergeronnette des Ruisseaux) (5)
  • Mistle Thrush (Grive Draine) (8) singing
  • Magpie (Pie) (7)
  • Jackdaw (Choucas) (5)
  • Goldfinch (5)
  • Black Redstart (Rougequeue Noir) (?) singing
  • Great Spotted Woodpecker (Pic Epeiche) (7) hammering

• Notes:
  • Low temperature (-3 C) so some species are silent (tits in particular)
  • Swallows had arrived by 4 April, a nest in the Dairy already being repaired (fresh clay visible next day); other migrators are back, the Chiffchaff Pouillot Veloce and the Black Redstart Rougequeue Noir on the farm to the east
  • The Willow Warbler Pouillot Fitis is on its migratory route, singing in the valley area and particularly feeding in the willow (i.e. the big Goat Willow or Great Sallow (French: 'Marsault'; Latin: 'Salix caprea')
  • A fresh headless Jay found under the bank at Middle A / Valley
    
  • Lesser Celandine (French: 'Ficaire'; Latin 'Ranunculus ficaria') flowering under hedges and banks
  • Opposite-Leaved Golden Saxifrage (French: 'Dorine'; Latin: 'Chrysosplenium oppositifolium') seen in the remains of the reservoir under the Valley bank.

10. On 16-03-2006 the following species were recorded (8:25-9:45; weather: cloudy then brighter with sunshine, light cold east wind):

• Present at Le Bosquet:
  • Chaffinch (Pinson des Arbres) (9) eight singing, quarrels and territorial flights
  • Sparrow (Moineau Domestique) (9) near buildings and houses, three pairs
  • Redwing (Grive Mauvis) (5)
  • Blackbird (Merle) (12)
  • Robin (Rouge-gorge) (12)
  • Dunnock (Accenteur) (8) two singing
    
  • Song Thrush (Grive Musicienne) (4) one singing
  • Great Tit (Mésange Charbonnière) (10) one pair
  • Wren (Troglodyte) (4) two singing
  • Firecrest (Roitelet Triple Bandeau) (4) one singing
  • Blue Tit (Mésange Bleue) (6)
  • Magpie (Pie) (6) flying west with hedgerow twig
  • Wood Pigeon (Pigeon Ramier) (8) (others singing nearby)
  • Mistle Thrush (Grive Draine) (7) (others singing nearby)
  • Buzzard (Buse) (3) (a feather found)

• Overflying or nearby:
  • Collared Turtle Dove (Tourterelle Turque) (8) singing
  • Starling (Étourneau) (9)
  • Great Spotted Woodpecker (Pic Epeiche) (6) hammering
  • Jay (Geai) (5)
  • Carrion Crow (Corneille) (7)
  • Greenfinch (Verdier) (9)
  • Heron Héron Cendré) (2)
  • White Wagtail (Bergonette Grise) (4)

• Notes:
  • Pronounced territorial activity by Chaffinches establishing territories: incursions from neighbouring territories demonstrate the large number of singing males on the outer hedges: the count may have been over-estimated.
  • Wintering birds are still present: Redwings, but also a pair of Firecrests (the male producing a full song)
  • Blackbirds and Song Thrushes still attracted by the ivy-berries
  • Magpies from a neighbouring farm, but collecting nesting material here, show that their numbers are out of proportion with species needing large territories, such as the Mistle Thrush
  • First primulas flowering (Primula vulgaris). Primroses (primevère à grande fleur) seen on a west-facing sheltered bank (valley side of Middle B). Close by under the wild Cherry tree (Polyporus varius) a fungus was found on a dead cherry branch(but it probably dates from end of autumn 2005). These two observations illustrate the existance of a micro-climate beneath the shelter of land-drop [an assertion frequently made by the owners who notice this effect all through the year]. Thank you to Denis Lucas for identifying Polyporus varius.
    
  • Nuts stored by Voles (campagnols) and Field Mice (mulots) found gnawed under the Home 'B' / Middle 'A' hedge. Nuts split open by squirrels at the northern corner of the Valley.

9. On 13-02-2006 the following species were recorded (8:55-10:00; weather: variable, no wind, cold, 4° C):

• Present at Le Bosquet:
  • Chaffinch (Pinson des Arbres) (8) five individuals singing in flight and in groups
  • Blue Tit (Mésange Bleue) (5) one singing and a pair
  • Blackbird (Merle) (11) one singing
  • Robin (Rouge-gorge) (11) one singing
  • Great Tit (Mésange Charbonnière) (9) in two places
  • Sparrow (Moineau Domestique) (8) one singing on the house
  • Redwing (Grive Mauvis) (4) two on the tall cherry tree and one victim of a Sparrow Hawk
  • Mistle Thrush (Grive Draine) (6) one singing and territorial flights
  • Grey Wagtail (Bergeronnette des Ruisseaux) (4)
  • Hawfinch (Gros-bec) (3) one calling, perched atop a poplar
  • Song Thrush (Grive Musicienne) (3) singing in flight to thick hedge and another nearby
  • Dunnock (Accenteur) (8) one singing in thick hedge
  • Wren (Troglodyte) (4) one singing
  • Sparrow Hawk (Épervier) (1) recent presence given remains of a Redwing.
• Overflying or nearby:
  • Carrion Crow (Corneille) (6)
  • Magpie (Pie) (5)
  • Collared Turtle Dove (Tourterelle Turque) (7) singing
  • Jackdaw (Choucas) (4)
  • Jay (Geai) (4)
  • Buzzard (Buse) (2)
  • Wood Pigeon (Pigeon Ramier) (7)
  • Great Spotted Woodpecker (Pic Epeiche) (5) hammering
  • Herring Gull (Goeland Argenté) (2)
  • Meadow Pipit (Pipit Farlouse) (5) on sheep-grazed pasture
  • Starling (Étourneau) (8)
  
• Notes:
  • Much vocal activity from finches establishing territories, flying variously and 'defending' perches; meanwhile a group of unmolested hibernators present on the pasture.
  • Others singing include: Blackbird, Blue Tit, Wren, Dunnock, Mistle Thrush (very agitated and aggressive) and nearby a Collar Dove, hammering Great Spotted Woodpecker and Song Thrush.
  • Hibernators still present include: Redwing and Hawfinch (the latter prolific in Normandy this year). A Redwing had been taken by a Sparrow Hawk (probably a female given the size of the prey). See illustration of feathers.
  • A clump of ripe, brick-red fungi (Hypholoma sublateritium = Geophila sublateritia) on the line of an old north-south hedgerow (bordering Gesnoin field).
    
    The species grows on old stumps and indicates/confirms the existence of a hedge in front of the current fence (thank you to Aussant-Lucas for the identification). N.B. the very early appearance of this fungus.
  • A count of last year's (2005) nests is currently being made.

8. On 16-01-2006 the following species were recorded (9:35-10:30; weather: cloudy, cold West wind):

• Present at Le Bosquet:
  • Chaffinch (Pinson des Arbres) (7) various flights around the farm and in groups
  • Greenfinch (Verdier) (8) groups flying around the farm
  • Great Tit (Mésange Charbonnière) (8) couple seen twice (different?), 1 singing nearby
  • Robin (Rouge-gorge) (10) isolated in hedgerows
  • Blackbird (Merle) (10) isolated in hedgerows
  • Blue Tit (Mésange Bleue) (4) another singing nearby
  • Sparrow (Moineau Domestique) (7) singing on the house
  • Long-tailed Tit (Mésange a Longue Queue) (2) at least two
  • Mistle Thrush (Grive Draine) (5) singing and territorial squabbles
  • Wren (Troglodyte) (3) singing
  • Dunnock (Accenteur) (7) thick hedge in SW
  • Firecrest (Roitelet Triple Bandeau) (3) in thick hedgerow
  • Hawfinch (Gros-bec) (2) male heard and then seen perched
  • Buzzard (Buse) (1) perched on post under hedge on falling land
  • Meadow Pipit (Pipit Farlouse) (4) on sheep-grazed pasture
• Overflying or nearby:
  • Collared Turtle Dove (Tourterelle Turque) (7)
  • Starling (Etourneau) (7)
  • Lapwing (Vanneau) (1) five at eastern end
  • Jay (Geai) (3)
  • Wood Pigeon (Pigeon Ramier) (6)
  • Carrion Crow (Corneille) (5)
  • Great Spotted Woodpecker (Pic Epeiche) (4) hammering
  • Bullfinch (Bouvreuil) (5)
  • Herring Gull (Goeland Argenté) (1)
  • Black-headed Gull (Mouette Rieuse) (2) group of twenty-five
  • Redwing (Grive Mauvis) (3)
  • White Wagtail (Bergonette Grise) (3)
• Notes:
  • Little activity given the poor visibility (weather overcast with a cold west wind)
  • Gregarious winter activity among Chaffinches and Greenfinches
  • The beginning of territorial activity by local nesting birds: evidence from singing of Great Tits, Blue Tits, Collared Doves, Wood Pigeons, Mistle Thrushes and Wrens; and hammering of the Greater Spotted Woodpecker
  • Meadow Pipits are attracted by the churned surface in the Barbier's field (with silage heap) and by the close cropped turf left by the sheep
  • Very early observation of Blackbirds feeding on ivy berries at the top of the holly in the SW hedge
    
  • Confirmation that the Hawfinch has established a winter presence here
  • The gulls (Herring and Black-headed) are 37.5 kms from the coast, presumably from the nearest point (Havre de la Vanlée to the west).

See: Le Bosquet

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Anyone interested in birds and the preservation, conservation or protection of their natural environments in the Normandy region should consider joining the Groupe Ornithologique Normand (GONm): 181 Rue d'Auge, 14000 Caen, France. Tel: +33 2 31 43 52 56 Fax: +33 2 31 93 27 07. Email GONm.