Autumn fly-by

During a recent stroll through the secluded beech woods of Warburg Nature Reserve in the heart of the Chilterns I was aware of an eerie silence. As I leant against a mighty beech tree which towered above, there was almost a complete lack of bird calls. Where were all the birds? Suddenly, out of nowhere, I began to hear distant bird contact calls: faint at first, but then very quickly the calls got louder as they appeared to be heading straight for me. For the next few minutes I was surrounded by a myriad of little birds as they darted purposefully through the treetops, then over my head and finally away, as they vanished into the shady depths of the wood. All around me fell silent once more.

Birds of a feather

I had just witnessed what birdwatchers commonly refer to as a ‘roving flock’. At the end of the breeding season, adults and juveniles of the more common woodland birds, usually members of the tit family (great, blue, coal and long-tailed), flock together. They then spend the autumn and winter moving through the woods and along hedgerows in search of food. By flocking together the birds are increasing the chance of finding the best food sources, as well as affording each individual in the flock ‘safety in numbers’ from potential predators such as sparrowhawks.

Colourful companions

These flocks can play host to a whole variety of bird species. As well as members of the tit family, keep an eye out for treecreeper, goldcrest, nuthatch and if you are extremely lucky, lesser spotted woodpecker. Almost any species can tag along with these flocks. Over the years I’ve spotted exotics such as pallas and yellow-browed warbler cruising cheek-to-cheek.

Hide and seek

The key is to be patient as the wood may at first appear deserted of birds, but if you persevere you should eventually stumble across your very own flock. It’s a real challenge to get to see the mobile birds for long enough to be able to identify them. The best strategy is to get ahead of the approaching flock, remain still and wait for the birds to pass you by. If you're reasonably concealed, (try positioning yourself against a tree trunk) the birds should ignore you and pass by at fairly close range.

Better connected

As these flocks travel long distances in search of food it is important that areas of woodland are well connected. The hedgerows at the Trust’s Chimney Meadows nature reserve, near Bampton, and the ancient woodland at Sydlings Copse, near Oxford, provide the ideal habitat. Wildlife Trust reserves staff and volunteers have also planted new hedgerows and blocks of trees to ensure these birds, as well as other wildlife, can move freely and safely between woodlands.

  • To find out how to become a member of the Berks, Bucks & Oxon Wildlife Trust, explore a nature reserve or enjoy an autumn event please visit www.bbowt.org.uk or tel 01865 775476.