Birds

Coed Craig Ruperra is home to many bird species throughout the year.  The range of birds found there has changed over the years.  When we first took over the site there were large areas of recently felled conifers, and heathland species such as nightjars, stonechats, tree pipits, whitethroats and linnets were regularly found.  However, due to the large-scale planting of deciduous trees, which are now forming a closed canopy, most of the birds present today are  more typical of native woodland.  Commonly encountered species include great tit, blue tit, blackbird, song thrush, robin, wren, chaffinch, greenfinch, great spotted woodpecker, tawny owl, nuthatch and tree-creeper.

In spring migrants such as blackcaps, garden warblers, chiff-chaffs and willow warblers add to the mix.  Winter also brings its own specialities, with parties of redwing and fieldfare feeding on rowan, holly and other berries, while crossbills, siskin and goldfinches feed on conifer seeds.

Additional habitats such as the pond and the wildflower meadow can turn up other notable species such as water rail and spotted flycatcher, respectively.

N.B. From 2002 to 2006 a group of licensed bird ringers monitored the site.  The photos of birds in the hand were provided by them.

Tree pipit (Anthus trivialis)

Blackbird (Turdus merula)

Great spotted woodpecker  (Dendrocopos major)

Spotted flycatcher (Muscicapa striata)

Water rail (Rallus aquaticus)