Seasonal Spotlight: Local Wildlife to Notice This September
Season’s may change but our local wildlife, in all its forms, will continue to show us what wonderful species are right on our doorstep. September is a transitional time for both humans and nature alike, with lots to keep an eye out for and look forward to in the first month of autumn.
Image above a Jay (Broomfield) by Andy Lyons, and an example of a foraging Jay in Autumn.
Starting with a winged wonder, the Jay. An interesting fact about Jays is that they are part of the crow family, however they’re much shier than the common crow. Even though they can be sighted in wooded areas all year round, the British Trust for Ornithology have reported that Jay sightings rapidly increase in September. This is due to the fact that they go into peak gathering mode, finding acorns and other food sources that they can bury for the winter. This is why you may spot one of these birds in your garden, as they’re starting their winter preparation.
Image above a Blackbird, (find more on the blackbird on the RSPB website)
Another bird that will be making the most of the autumn seasonal shift is the Blackbird. Hedgerows in September become bountiful with berries, such as sloes, blackberries, and rosehips, which are essential for many species, but you will often see Blackbirds feeding off these berry-filled bushes.
Among these hedgerows and bushes, you may also find emerging insects venturing out after pupating. One such well-known insect is the native seven-spot ladybird, which is the classic red coloured variation with seven black spots. This ladybird can be seen all year round, but swarms of all kinds of ladybirds may be seen in hotter weather, like we have had this summer. Ladybirds tend to lay their eggs in May, which then typically metamorphosize into adults through summer, before newly developed ladybirds come out of their hiding spots to feed.
Image above 7-spotted ladybird
Autumn transitions aren’t just for the birds and insects; the mighty oak tree is an impressive sight in autumn. Contributing to the local biodiversity, the oak trees are an essential part of the local lifecycle as their acorns that form in the coming month provide important food sources that are perfect for storage. These can be buried or squirreled away (quite literally) and are then a lifeline for nature in the cold winter months. Their leaves will turn a fantastic array of reds and browns which is a sure sign that autumn is in full swing.
Trees such as the majestic oak are ideal for emerging bats too! The latest batch of youngsters will be taking flight early autumn, after spending the last 4-6 weeks in their maternal roosts. Inexperienced bats need help getting used to flying and can be extremely vulnerable if grounded at any point in their fledging. So large trees form a great source of protection and rest.
Our city parks and green spaces are here for you to visit, explore, and enjoy while connecting with local nature. They provide the perfect setting to discover wildlife and many other species. If you happen to capture a photo during your visit, we’d love for you to share it with us through our wildlife sightings page.
Article by: Issy Lyons (Marketing Officer, Events and Corporate)
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