The forests at Hockham are dominated by large compartments of commercial Pine crops of varying ages, from mature woodland down to clearings with pine regeneration. It was one of these regenerating clearings I visited this morning, these habitats hold a greater diversity of life for a number of years until pine trees grow tall enough to become the dominant habitat, the comforting factor here is that these pine compartments are rotational, therefore, there will always be clearings to accommodate important Breckland species.
 |
| 1. Hockham Heath 12 July 2026 |
The habitat shown above is at an early regeneration stage and the plentiful scrub seen here this morning typical open country birds, these included two Stonechats, a couple of singing Yellowhammers, Whitethroats (young heard), one Garden Warbler, Chiffchaff, and several Linnets which included a bird with food and a very attractive male Linnet holding territory in an area of scrub. The mature woodland periphery held Blackbird and a calling Nuthatch
 |
| 2. Linnet (male) close to nest site 12 July 2026 |
 |
| 3. Linnet being very obliging |
Linnets were the dominant species within the clearing today, which was not a surprise given the available habitat for breeding. The male Linnet pictured here was perched quietly above a patch of scrub where a nest is probably located.
Also noted in the clearing was a number of Ruddy Darter dragonflies (male and female), and several butterfly species including Small White, Peacock, Gatekeeper, and Large Skippers.
No comments:
Post a Comment