We haven’t had much success recording wildlife this month as the weather has been dull and stormy, but we have enjoyed trying to photograph a Water Rail (Rallus aquaticus) which is over-wintering along the stream that runs beside Rushmere Park. This is ideal for the Water Rail as it is well vegetated and fenced off from the path. It is also perfect habitat for a Nightingale which Rob dreams of one day finding here. I have failed to capture anything other than the scene from which the bird has shot off. Rob, on the other hand, has only managed to get a blurred record shot so, for the first time, I have used an image from another county, year and month to illustrate my article.

Water Rails are sought by birders because of their secretive nature. They are a freshwater wetland bird and are in the same family as Coots and Moorhens, but much smaller, daintier and with more attractive markings. They have a comical pig-like squealing call which is mostly heard in the breeding season. When we glimpse ours, out in the open, it will instantly lift up on its long legs and scoot across the water’s surface at great speed like the cartoon character, Road Runner as it heads for cover.

I am also enjoying winter walks through the wood when it’s beginning to get dark. It feels so magical at this time particularly when the mist is falling and the Tawny Owls are calling. My dog and I will take a moment on each walk to just stand and listen to all the many sounds that can be heard around us. At these times, I also like to watch my Collie’s huge upright ears pivoting, as they follow the directions of the rustles and the diurnal birds’ last calls before they go to roost.

Julie Cuthbert
December 2024

Photos © Julie Cuthbert