Nature Trail - Board 13
All through the Woodland Walk there is a range of birds and other animals. How many have you seen? If you look around where you are now, you can see an owl box – a special bird box especially for these nocturnal birds. You can also see out across the fields!
Tawny Owl
Listen after dusk for the haunting “twit twoo” call – that’s the Tawny Owl! This mottled brown owl, with large, dark eyes, is a common resident of Lancashire’s woodlands. During the day, they may roost silently in trees. At night, they become expert hunters, swooping down on mice, voles, and other small creatures. Look for owl pellets (regurgitated food remains) under trees to discover signs of their presence. Tawny Owls are an important part of our woodland ecosystem here at Moss Wood!
Hare
Keep your eyes peeled for the brown hare, a long-eared symbol of Lancashire’s countryside. These large hares are built for speed, capable of bursts up to 45mph! Look for them in open fields and meadows, especially at dawn and dusk when they’re most active. During the spring, you might even spot the famous hare “boxing” – that’s actually a female warding off eager males! Sadly, hares are less common today, but we still have quite a few of them living around Moss Wood – so consider yourself lucky if you see one of these elusive and iconic creatures!
Turtle Dove
The Turtle Dove, with its soft cooing call and delicate brown plumage, was once a familiar sight in Lancashire’s countryside. Sadly, these gentle birds are now a rarity. Loss of habitat and changing farming practices have caused a dramatic decline in their numbers.
Keep an eye (and ear) out during the summer months, especially around Moss Wood as we are lucky that our well cared for environment still has some breeding pairs in the area. If you’re lucky enough to spot one, cherish the moment and make sure to let us know that you’ve seen it!
Little Owl
Keep an eye out for the Little Owl! Introduced to Britain long ago, this small but feisty owl loves Lancashire’s farmland and parkland. Unlike most owls, they’re often out during the day. Look for a grumpy-faced little bird perched on fence posts, rocks, or old trees, scanning the ground for beetles, worms, and small critters. Their distinctive “kee-ik” call might give them away too. Little owls nest in tree holes, adding a touch of wildness to the countryside.