COVE VALLEY’s WILDLIFE CALENDAR

January

  • Frosty mornings and occasional snow create serene, peaceful landscapes.

  • Red deer often graze in the open fields during the early hours.

  • Winter birdwatching highlights include redwings and fieldfares.

  • A perfect month for stargazing and embracing the quiet beauty of nature.

february

  • Early signs of Spring appear with budding trees and increased bird activity.

  • Goshawks perform aerial displays over the pine woods.

  • White storks begin courtship rituals as they prepare for the breeding season.

  • Red deer are still active in the woodlands.

  • Resident cranes start calling as daylight hours lengthen.

MARCh

  • Spring blossoms with primroses and daffodils brightening the valley.

  • White storks begin nesting, repairing and preparing their homes.

  • Beavers become more active, especially at dusk.

  • Frogs and toads migrate to ponds for breeding.

APRIL

  • Nature comes alive with vibrant new growth everywhere.

  • White storks are fully into nesting season, with eggs often visible.

  • Red deer start shedding their winter coats.

  • Beavers may reveal their first kits near their lodges.

  • Fox cubs begin to emerge from their dens.

MAY

  • Meadows burst into color with wildflowers, attracting butterflies and bees.

  • White stork chicks start to hatch and can be seen in their nests.

  • Dawn and dusk provide ideal moments to spot beavers.

  • Young tawny owls begin fledging, their calls echoing in the evenings.

  • Roe deer calves hide in tall grass, camouflaged while their mothers graze nearby.

JUNE

  • Extended daylight hours offer plenty of wildlife-watching opportunities.

  • White stork chicks grow rapidly, exploring their nests.

  • Beavers are highly active during warm evenings.

  • Dragonflies and damselflies fill the air around ponds.

  • Iron Age pigs, Rowan and Willow, can be seen basking in the sunshine.

  • Red deer calves often hide in tall grass as their mothers feed.

july

  • White stork chicks begin fledging, testing their wings for flight.

  • Beavers continue their evening routines, often accompanied by their kits.

  • Butterflies such as painted ladies and meadow browns flutter through the meadows.

  • Red deer seek shade during the day but are active at dawn and dusk.

august

  • Late summer wildflowers bring color and energy to the meadows, buzzing with insects.

  • Stork fledglings take short flights as they prepare for migration.

  • Beavers remain busy building and foraging during the evenings.

  • Early mornings offer excellent chances to spot cranes in the fields.

September

  • Autumn’s golden hues transform the valley.

  • Red deer stags begin their dramatic rutting displays, roaring and sparring.

  • White storks depart on their migration journey south.

  • Beavers prepare for winter, staying active in the evenings.

OCTOBER

  • The red stag rut is at its peak, offering a spectacular show of nature.

  • Migratory bird flocks pause in the valley on their journey.

  • Beavers work diligently, collecting food and reinforcing their lodges.

  • Cooler nights are perfect for gathering around a firepit.

november

  • Wildlife activity slows as animals prepare for winter.

  • Red deer, now settled after the rut, graze peacefully in groups.

  • Beavers remain active but are less visible as daylight wanes.

  • Winter birds arrive, providing new birdwatching opportunities.

  • Tawny owls hoot in the evenings, signaling their presence.

December

  • Crisp days create ideal conditions to spot red deer in open areas.

  • White storks linger in the valley, adding charm to the winter scenery.

  • Beavers may still appear on milder evenings.

  • A tranquil time to savor nature’s stillness and enjoy the festive cabin decorations.