February 2026 Ramsbury Bird Notes by Paul Swan

Raven

One of the first birds to lay eggs in the new year is the Raven. Most pairs will have laid between four and seven eggs by the end of February. Our local birds have been seen building or refurbishing their nests, as they often use the same nest for several years. The eggs will be incubated by the female, who is fed by the male, for 18 -21 days. The chicks will remain in the nest for 5 to 7 weeks, being fed by both parents, and will stay nearby for weeks after that.

Greater spotted woodpeckers will not be laying eggs until March, but the males can already be heard drumming to announce their territories and ward off rivals. They hit the wood so hard that it would cause brain damage in any other bird, but woodpeckers actually have shock absorbers in their skull! Spring Hill has plenty to see, as always. There is a mixed flock of redwings and fieldfares on the lower slopes, a flock of meadow pipits near the war memorial, and many skylarks in the fields.