Following two highly successful birdwatching walks hosted by Keith Offord on May 10th, new insights into the avian population on the estate have emerged, revealing a mixed picture for nest box occupancy but clear signs of a flourishing habitat.
Keith Offord, who led the popular birdwatching events, recently completed a comprehensive survey of the estate’s nest boxes. He reported a drop in overall occupancy from 85% last year to 51% this year. This decline is largely attributed to the unusually dry spell experienced, which directly impacts insect life—a vital food source for many bird species. The Pied Flycatcher, a species known for its preference for higher rainfall areas, saw a significant decrease from 14 occupied boxes to just 8. This observation further supports the theory that the dry weather has had a considerable impact.
Positive Developments Amidst Challenges
However, it wasn’t all concerning news. The survey also highlighted several positive developments, underscoring the success of the estate’s management in fostering a vibrant wildlife environment. A Treecreeper nest was discovered in one of Lord Newborough’s mature trees, and a pair of Spotted Flycatchers were observed actively hunting for insects near the deer paddock. This sighting is particularly exciting, as the Spotted Flycatcher is a significantly scarcer species than the Pied Flycatcher, with the UK population declining by 88-94% between 1970 and 2018. Factors affecting their numbers include habitat loss, pesticide use, climate change, and invasive predators like the Grey Squirrel. To have them breeding at Rhug would be a real bonus and a testament to the estate’s commitment to biodiversity.
Barn Owl Success
Perhaps the most exciting news comes from a Barn Owl box installed by Keith a few years ago, which is now actively incubating. This box has proven to be an outstanding success, evidenced by the significant accumulation of pellets and other detritus. Keith plans to clean it our in the autumn to prepare it for future use.
These findings, as Keith notes, are a testament to the “fabulous habitat” around the estate. While the nest boxes have undoubtedly played a significant role, the overall management practices at Rhug are equally crucial, providing ample space and resources for wildlife to thrive.
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