Somserset Forest - Ducking Dunnock!
** Finally a new cache container. Please note that there is ongoing Forestry work in the immediate vacinty although the cache is not located in the fenced off area.***
Somerset forest in Coleraine is home to the locally well known trim trail which is a series of
paths and trails around a mixed conifer and deciduous forest. The forest is under the ownership of the Forestry Service of Northern Ireland.
The area is home to a wide variety of birds. Blue,
Coal, Long-tailed and Great Tits, Robins, Wrens, Chaffinch, Black Caps, Jays and Tree Creepers which would all be around at various times of the year. However, the Dunnock, of which there are a few around here, is very inquisitive little bird!
The Dunnock is another one of those that may be classed as an SSB - Small Brown Bird. This would be a more accurate description than for example
when it is applied to the Siskin. At a distance it may appear to the untrained
eye as possibly a sparrow, robin or chaffinch.
However, when a close up view is on offer it is clear that there is more to the birds markings than first thought.
They wouldn't be described as nervous birds - it is possible that this tag could be applied because of the way they work their way through undergrowth and cover. They are actually probably more interested in finding insects and bugs
for their breakfast!
Going by our observations they come to the feeding table quite willingly across open ground but dont seem to have the prowess for the feeder.
Free parking is available at either side of the forest - at the main entrance on the Castleroe Road - or at the Bushtown Road (limited spaces - please bear and mind this entrance is sometimes used by forestry vehicles)
Further information is available from these links:
http://www.rspb.org.uk/schoolswatch/learn/sparrows.aspx
http://www.rspb.org.uk/wildlife/birdguide/name/d/dunnock/index.aspx
http://www.walkni.com/Walk.aspx?ID=148
Note - as in most caches placed in woodland, the gps co-ordinates may not be 100% accurate. We always take several different readings to get as close as possible.
The cache is a micro container not far from the path. You will need something small to remove the log. Please replace the cache carefully. Not really wheelchair friendly.
Good luck!