Well done. The name nuthatch comes from “nut hacker”, which describes the way these clever little birds open nuts by pushing them into crevices in trees and hammering with their beaks until they split.
Bad luck. The answer is nuthatch, a name that comes from “nut hacker”, which describes the way these clever little birds open nuts by pushing them into crevices in trees and hammering with their beaks until they split.
There is no mistaking a golden eagle in flight – they are huge, with a wingspan of more than 6ft.
Golden eagles mate can live for up to 30 years and mate for life, with males and females sharing responsibility for sitting on the nest.
These magnificent birds once ruled the skies here, but were driven to the verge of extinction. Now they are back, thanks to an introduction programme which has seen them extend their range to the skies around Selkirk.
They get their name from the golden plumage on the head and neck.
Although they normally soar at a speed of less than 30mph, they can accelerate up to 120mph and when diving can reach speeds of as much as 200mph.
Golden eagles can rotate their heads 270 degrees to search for prey – the same as an owl.
Goat willow is one of the most important species of tree in the wood for wildlife, including the purple emperor butterfly. Its pollen is popular with bees and the leaves provide food for the caterpillars of several moths, which in turn are eaten by birds.
It is also known as pussy willow because the furry silvery male catkins resemble cat’s paws. Another name is Great Sallow, sometimes shortened to Sally.
Goat willows only grow to about 10 metres. Unlike other willows they have oval leaves, with dense hairs underneath and a tip that bends away to the side.
The trees have in the past been associated with mourning, sadness and unrequited love – but their bark has long been known to alleviate pain and the chemical salicin, found in the bark, is the basis of the painkiller aspirin.