Chris Skinner's Countryside Podcasts Episode 2.39 - Foxtail Surprises and Kestrel Chases
Sep 27, 2025
On a vibrant September morning, the discussion unfolds at High Ash Farm, revealing unexpected treasures like yellow foxtail feeding winter birds. Witness dramatic kestrel hunts interrupted by territorial buzzards, showcasing the wildlife drama. Delve into reflections on farming missteps, including a surprising 105-year carbon offset timeline. The rhythmic sounds of haylage harvesting capture the essence of farming life, while wild hops in the hedgerows evoke brewing nostalgia. International greetings add a global touch, wrapping up a delightful exploration of rural insights and seasonal surprises.
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Unexpected Seed Bonanza From Yellow Foxtail
- Yellow foxtail unexpectedly dominated the overwinter wild bird seed mix and produced enormous quantities of tiny seeds.
- Its delayed dormancy keeps seed on the soil surface, creating a winter food bonanza for linnets, yellowhammers, and goldfinches.
Seed Mixes To Support Small Farmland Birds
- Sow diverse small-seed mixes to support overwintering farmland birds that struggle with modern large-grain cereals.
- Use species with delayed dormancy to build a seed bank that feeds linnets, yellowhammers, and goldfinches through the hungry gap.
Raptor Territorial Chases At Field Margins
- Kestrels hover margins scanning for small rodents, but larger buzzards will harass them and displace them from hunting spots.
- These aerial interactions reveal strong territorial dynamics among raptors at field edges.