You’ll be very unlucky not to see any of our permanent residents or
seasonal visitors on a trip to St. Hilary’s churchyard. Look our for voles
scurrying and squabbling in the tussocky grass. As well as bumblebees and
butterflies attracted by the wildflowers in spring and summer, throughout
the year you’ll see a whole host of bird life wandering in from the banks
of the River Dee.
The Heron Ardaea cinerea is usually solitary, although several birds
may be seen feeding fairly close together. It stalks its food, generally fish,
amphibians, molluscs and aquatic insects, often standing motionless for
long periods of time before striking. It usually feeds close to the bank, but
may wade out into shallow water.
You may catch a glimpse of a Kingfisher Alcedo atthis
with its unmistakable bright blue and orange
plumage, flitting through the churchyard back
to its riverside perch.
Sometimes you’ll see the Swans Cygnus olor
out for a stroll in the churchyard and may
also be lucky enough to see a Dipper Cinclus
Cinclus - a slate grey-black bird with a brown
head and white throat, that feeds on aquatic
larvae, insects and molluscs.
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