Some signs of winter, but in general it has been gentle Autumn, and wintering birds and non-hibernating animals are still very busy. I regularly play at Broadstone Golf Club, and the whole course is alive with squirrels. Thanks to all the nuts and berries, they all look very healthy and well fed. If most of them survive the winter, there will be far too many to feed next year.

Apart from squirrels, where is also a good population of pheasants. Currently the cocks are proudly strutting round with their two or three ladies, and keeping a wary eye out for fleet footed rivals. Very noticeable are the black pheasants. About four years ago, a black (or very very dark brown) hen appeared on the course, and over the intervening years we now have several dark birds. At this time of year, with all the tall grass faded to a light straw colour, the normal coloured pheasants are quite hard to spot, but the darker strain are easily seen. I'm sure that Darwin would have some comments on this situation and the likely outcome.

Happenings.

- Bird boats until January, but DWT have a trip to Brownsea on the 11th. Friends of Broadstone Nature Reserve are at work on Dec. 12th (Fontmell Road entrance, 10 am 255076). Also on the 12th, Poole Leisure Services have a winter walk on Canford Heath. Plenty of conservation activity for those more active nature lovers. Not much though in the Broadstone area.

Useful numbers:

Other useful wildlife web sites for wildlife news in this area are:

• http://www.greenlink.co.uk/
• http://www.wildlifetrust.org.uk/dorset
• http://www.dorsetbutterflies.com

Prepared for Broadstone.net by
dudley.hull

See the Broadstone Environment main page for information on this organisation.

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