Birds of Olav's Wood
The woodland is a haven for resident, migratory and vagrant birds. Over 140 species have been recorded from the woods. Sparrowhawks breed here regularly. Warblers are common in the summer, including Sedge Warblers breeding in the dense shrubbery in the upper woodland. Other notable birds recorded as breeding in the woodland are Goldcrests, Linnets, Greenfinches, Meadow Pipits and Hooded Crows.
During Spring and Autumn migration periods, the woods provide a much-needed stopping and refueling place for birds, and spectacular congregations or rare vistors may be seen. For example, in early October 2016, the woods were teeming with Goldcrests stopping-off on their way south.
A list of birds of the woodland and surrounding areas has been compiled by Andy Mitchell (2014). This includes notes on their breeding status in the woodland and comments on seasonal movements, scarcity etc.
Additional bird records for the woods: Parrot Crossbill (Loxia pytyopsittacus) [Robert Foubister, Oct 2017], Firecrest (Regulus ignicapilla) [Andy Mitchell 2nd Nov 2017].
A 2012 list of birds is also available.
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Common Frog (LJ, 12 June 2018). |
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Pygmy Shrew in the woods. |
Animals of Olav's Wood
Animals in the woods include
- Orkney vole (Microtus arvalis orcadensis)
- Rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus)
- Hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus)
- Brown rat (Rattus norvegicus) (Lee Johnson 2015)
- Pygmy shrew (Sorex minutus)
- Common frog (Rana temporaria).
- There is evidence of otter (Lutra lutra) activity (spraints) in the woods (Andy Mitchell 2017).
Other animals may be present.
Photographs of birds in the woods (AM = Andy Mitchell, LJ = Lee Johnson):
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