Before work I like to have a walk around the village and see a few birds before spending the rest of the day in front of the computer. This morning was no exception but it became apparent a few moments after leaving the house that there were thrushes everywhere! The trees in neighbouring gardens were full of Redwings. More and more appeared, dropping out of the sky before the masses of birds came up from the trees all at once and flew off to the northeast. I continued the walk quickly to a better spot to view the spectacle. Thrushes kept coming, some flocks going straight over high up but the majority would come in from the southwest, drop into the hedges and fields around the village, stay for a brief few minutes before continuing northeast calling as they went. The birds were moving on quite a broad front but most were going pretty much straight over the village. It was amazing to watch. Birds just kept coming! Unfortunately I couldn't stay for long as I had to get home to start work. I attempted to count the birds but felt a bit swamped by the shear numbers! But between 08.40-09.55 a near constant stream of thrushes produced an estimated 10,026 Redwing, 234 Fieldfare, 47 Blackbird and 11 Song Thrush! Proper migration in action and all within a few steps from home!
