Diary Dates:
CPRE’s Star Count - February 6th - 14th
National Nest Box week - February 14th - 21st
International Polar Bear Day - February 27th
Moon Phases:
New Moon - February 11th
Full Moon - Februray 27th
February's Moon - Snow Moon
NEWS:
How are we in February already? Have you felt the hint of Spring in the air ....the odd warmer day of sunshine and tenacious bulbs starting to poke their little heads through the soil. Spring is the season when Mother Nature starts to awake from her winter slumber and the world becomes more colourful again. The birds will start their morning chorus and the days become longer. There is so much to look forward too, including more outdoor adventures!
EVENTS:
CPRE STAR COUNT
This weekend sees the start of https://instagram.com/cpre Star Count. It’s really simple to take part and can be done from your house or garden. Head to their page to download their free activity pack. The aim of the count is to establish the level of light pollution based on your ability to see the number of stars in the constellation of Orion. Light pollution is important as many insects and animals rely on darkness.
”Researchers believe light pollution may be a factor in the decline of insects like bees and moths, and it can disrupt migratory birds and affect the feeding behaviour of bats. “
If you have a budding little astronomer these beautiful hand drawn constellation cards are now available on our website. https://www.thenaturebugclub.com/product-page/winter-constellations-pocket-set
NATIONAL NEST BOX WEEK
This event has been running for over 20 years and is an important part of the ornithological calendar. There has been a big reduction in the number of natural nesting sights due to the removal of hedgerows for farming purposes and the fashion for home and garden improvements. The date of Valentine‘s Day was chosen for the start of the week as this is thought to be the date birds start to pair up for the breeding season. Such little romantics! Head to www.nestboxweek.com for lots of information on suitable nest boxes and sites to place them.
This is one of several nest boxes that we put up a couple of years ago. Every year it has been nested in by Sparrows and it looks like we’re about to get them again.
INTERNATIONAL POLAR BEAR DAY
This is a global event to highlight the plight of the Polar Bear due to man-made climate changes causing sea ice to shrink at an alarming rate. They are currently classed as vulnerable and as top predators in their food chain play a vital role in the Arctic ecosystem. Did you know that Polar Bears have furry anti-slip feet and their sense of smell can detect a seal from a kilometre away!
ACTIVITY:
Make a Birds Nest
What you need:
Twigs
Feathers
Moss
Grass
Go on a nature adventure and collect the items above.
Use the items you have collected to make your birds nest.
Start by layering the twigs in different directions to make a base.
Then add the moss and feathers etc to make a lining for the nest to make it soft and comfortable for the eggs.
Did you know that making a Birds Nest counts as one of the activities you need to complete to earn your Bird House Badge? Why not take a look here https://www.thenaturebugclub.com/product-page/birdhouse-badge
Join us next month for more events and activities. Happy February, happy adventuring and don’t forget to tag us #thenaturebugclub so we can see what you get up too xx