Wildlife

From Virtual Norwood

Upper Norwood is a particularly productive area for wildlife. The remains of the Old North Wood (from which the area gets its name) and the summit at Crystal Palace (which is the highest point for miles, especially in an East-West direction) ensure that the variety of wildlife is greater than in many other parts of the capital. Remember, you are most likely to see wildlife if you rise early, dress soberly and act quietly. Do not disturb wildlife, especially with young.

Contents 1 Mammals 2 Insects 3 Birds 4 External links

[edit] Mammals

Foxes, grey squirrels, and rats are all common. However, the more observant may spot hedgehogs, mice (both house mice and wood mice) and bats.

At least four species of bat can regularly be detected in Crystal Palace Park and South Norwood Lake

• 45kHz pipistrelle (common); 55kHz pipistrelle(soprano); Noctule; and Daubenton's.

A badger was sadly found dead at Crystal Palace station in February 2005, whilst there are occasional reports of deer, usually muntjac.

[edit] Insects

Norwood is home to one of Britain's largest and rarest insects - the endangered stag beetle. This beetle, the male of which reaches 10cms in length, and whose claws are crab-like, comes out on warm Many/June evenings, buzzing like a small helicopter. It thrives on dead material in woodland - so leave those logs at the bottom of the garden. Many species of bush-crickets, grasshoppers, dragonflies and damselflies have been recorded at South Norwood Lake and elsewhere.

At least 20 species of butterfly have been seen in Norwood:

• Large White; Small White; Green-veined White; Brimstone; Orange-Tip; Clouded Yellow; Peacock; Small Tortoiseshell; Red Admiral; Common Bluw; Comma; Meadow Brown; Gatekeeper; Speckled Wood; Holly Blue. Painted Lady butterflies were seen during several times during the invasion of 2009.

[edit] Birds

Upper Norwood has an enviable bird list, despite not being the most-watched area. Four in ten of all British bird species have been seen in the area; the table of bird sightings gives details. National rarities seen locally in recent years include Pied-billed Grebe, Purple Heron, Red-breasted Flycatcher, Alpine Swift and Yellow Warbler, whilst the recent hard Winter weather of 2009-10 has brought large numbers of Redwing into the area.

Those seeking other local birdwatching opportunities should try South Norwood Country Park (between Birkbeck and Elmers End), which boasts an annual list of around 100 species (165 in total).

The RSPB Croydon group would welcome new members, whilst we would welcome sightings of any unusual bird sightings in Norwood.

[edit] External links

• The London Bat Group
• University of Bristol's Bat Site Information about specific bats.
• London Natural History Society Information about mammals and insects in London.