We've noted small numbers of winter thrushes (mainly redwings) passing through our area for a while now. It wasn't until late last week though that reasonably good-sized flocks of fieldfare and redwing (plus an increase in blackbirds and song thrushes) started to arrive here - making an impact on the hedgerow berries near our house.
This morning at least 100-150 fieldfares and 50-60 redwings were outside and in the garden. Some were feeding in pony-grazed pasture, others were feasting on the numerous hawthorn and holly berries in the boundary hedge. In all, four thrush species were tucking into one of the best berry crops we've seen here for a while. On the other hand, the local apples (often taken by fieldfares) appear to have cropped less well here this year.
Noting John's interesting posting earlier, reminded us that we've seen more woodpigeons down this way than usual this autumn/early winter. Late last week there were in the region of 500 flying over Martletwy and a similar number were over the same area today. Flocks of this kind are a bit unusual over here, although nothing like the numbers John recorded this morning - it must have been an amazing sight! We've yet to see a hawfinch in this area though - hopefully one will come our way!
