Thursday 17 December 2020

Winter Thrushes

At this time of year, we are visited by thrushes from the continent. These are, mainly, Fieldfare and Redwing. The Redwing is a small thrush, with a distinctive stripe on its head and a red patch under the wing. The Fieldfare is a larger thrush with a speckled breast and grey head. Both tend to travel in small noisy flocks. This year it seems that numbers are less than usual, but this may change if harsher weather arrives. Have you seen one yet?

Their main source of food is berries in hedgerows but, especially in severe weather or when berries run short, they can be tempted into gardens. They are quite partial to half an apple left face-up on the ground or stuck on the end of a branch or a stick in the ground. 

Fieldfare (Turdus pilaris) - Pastures Lane, Oakthorpe
Redwing (Turdus iliacus) - Oakthorpe Colliery
Wishing all a very happy Christmas, and a much-improved 2021!

Take good care

Richard

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