Autumn Birds
THE PÉRIGORD LOCAL • 15
Article and Illustrations by David Beddow – beddowdavid82@gmail.com
W
ith Autumn just around the corner and bird migration well under way this is a time when anything from the bird world can appear either because they have been blown off course or they stop off to feed en route. Last year for instance I saw a flock of five Black Storks on their way from Eastern Europe to Africa. We have already said goodbye to the Honey Buzzard as it too heads to Africa but the Common Buzzard remains as its source of food does not dry up in the winter months. Unlike the Honey Buzzard which has a specialist diet of wasp larvae, insects and frogs, the Common Buzzard has an all year larder of mice, rabbits and carrion. The non-migrating Red Kite says au revoir to its cousin the Black Kite as it too takes to the skies for Africa and where its diet there will include lizards, frogs and snakes. Generally it’s the insect-eating birds that travel to warmer countries in search of food. Those birds with a more flexible diet and a multi-purpose bill tend to remain changing their diet to seeds, nuts and berries. As the colder weather arrives Northern European breeding birds will be moving south and into our territory boosting our resident winter population of finches, larks and thrushes. Bird watchers can expect to see Siskens, Bramblings, Fieldfares and Redwings in fields, hedgerows and gardens. Last year’s milder winter meant many of these birds did not make it to our area as they managed to find food supplies further north. Let’s hope we see them this year. A few summer outings proved fruitful in spotting new birds. On the last day of July I saw my first Whiskered Tern diving for fish at St Nicholas de la Grave. At the same site I also saw a Hobby hunting dragonflies close to the water’s edge and of course the gratifying sight of the blue flash of Kingfisher as it dashed by. A trip to Roches des Aigles in Rocamador never disappoints as you see the permanent collection of birds of prey from the giant Condor and Griffin Vulture to Kestrels and Little Owls. However it was whilst walking through the village that I spied Crag Martins - the first time in France. I was surprised to see so many of them feeding around the cliffs. An evening barbeque also heralded an unexpected sight. Moths drawn to the light attracted the normally elusive Nightjar which flew around the garden enjoying the feast.
Nightjar
With barbeques pretty much over for the year and less to do in the garden, it’s easier to find time to build or repair bird tables and nest boxes. Sometimes birds will roost in nest boxes during the winter. And remember to keep bird tables well stocked now so that in the event of cold weather birds will know where to go for food. Happy birding.
Published March, May, July, September and December each year The Périgord Local • September - November 2018