The Norsey Wood Society works closely with Basildon Borough Council, the owners of Norsey Wood Nature Reserve, an ancient woodland which is also
a Site of Special Scientific Interest on the edge of Billericay in Essex, UK
Spring-Summer-Birds
Spring and Summer Birds of Norsey Wood
Listening carefully when walking through the Wood in spring with its fresh green buds and leaves bursting forth, there is the vibrant birdsong from our resident and summer visitor birds, the Wren, Dunnock, Robin, Blackbird, Song Thrush, Blackcap, Coal Tit, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Starling and Chaffinch. And on occasions, the Garden Warbler. Musicians concealed behind the leaf-scape! A chorus that heralds spring with the background raucous cries of Jays, Magpies, Carrion Crows and Jackdaws that add to the experience. Both the Green and the Great Spotted Woodpecker’s presence are characterised by their yaffle and loud drumming respectively. But the Chiffchaff, the 4gram Goldcrest (our smallest British bird), Long-tailed Tit and Treecreeper, that have faint and high pitched calls, have to be carefully listened for to appreciate their presence.
Woodland ‘birdwatching’ in spring and summer is considered to be a misnomer as the ears are more useful than the eyes! But even a seasoned naturalist can become puzzled upon hearing an unfamiliar call as the Great Tit has an impressive varied repertoire!
The early nesting Mistle Thrush is a regular breeder within the Wood and is usually only represented by one or two pairs. Its mournful and far carrying song can be heard above the windy weather of March and has thus earned itself the country title of ‘Storm Cock’. Stock Doves are typically few but because of our intensive agricultural policies, Woodpigeons are numerous!
Of the 87 bird species that have been recorded within and along the outskirts of the Wood, at least 36 species breed, or are presumed to breed. Their status is highlighted on the Bird Species List that can be down loaded by clicking here.
The elusive and erratic breeders in the Wood are the Nuthatch and the Lesser Spotted Woodpecker. These two species have mixed fortunes in our county for reasons that are uncertain. Two species that retreat to the remoter areas of the Wood are the Common Whitethroat (in young coppiced areas with bramble) and the Bullfinch (in dense vegetation). The quiet creaky call of the latter and its secretive ways does little to draw attention to itself, even though the male has conspicuous livery.
The Tawny Owl is heard within the Wood on an annual basis but breeding has yet to be proven.
Sometimes in spring, a Willow Warbler, a Wood Warbler or a Nightingale are located briefly by song within the Wood. These are probably tired migrants resting up after their return from Africa before moving on elsewhere to their preferred breeding habitats.
Several species that were once regular to the Wood, but due to national decline, are now missing from the Wood’s bird-life are the Cuckoo, Spotted Flycatcher, Tree Sparrow and Marsh Tit. Records for these species are now historical.