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Ravens are still rare as a breeding bird in Lincolnshire, and we are able to confirm that they are breeding again at the Temple Wood BT transmitter tower at Kirkby Underwood just north of Bourne which Bob Sheppard and I consider is in a secure position to enable birders to have good views without disturbance.
The tower is in a secure locked and alarmed compound with a permissive footpath running alongside it. If birders park in the car park at Callan’s Lane Wood TF062/271 and walk west uphill along the main road about 200 metres they will find the path leading north up to the Temple Wood transmitter tower. It is clearly marked with a big grey gate. After 400 metres the path deviates to the left by an old bonfire and that is the best place to watch the birds across a small grass field leading up to the tower. Red Kites and Buzzards are often seen passing near the tower from this watchpoint. There is no need to stand by the tower to get the best views.
The nest is 45 metres (150 feet) up the tower on the northwest corner and is on a gantry behind a huge round communications dish (second one up)
The chicks are now three weeks old so the birds will be around for another three weeks. These are a lot later than the other Raven nests in the area, which all seem to have now got chicks around fledging, and we think that this pair failed earlier with the cold weather and have re-laid, probably accounting for the fact that there are only two chicks. There are three adults feeding the chicks in this nest.
Last time we publicised this nest, someone complained of a long walk in cold conditions. Well we can’t do anything about the long walk (approx 1,000m), but at least it’s warmer being later this year. It is a fantastic place to see the adults feeding the young. Also there is a pair of Peregrines breeding in Bob's nest tray 86 metres (281 feet) at the very top of the tower, so occasionally there is some great interaction between the Peregrines and the Ravens who are not the best of neighbours.
Please be aware that the land off the roadway is private, so do not stray off this.
Bob & Alan
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