Today felt more birdy than yesterday. The early part of the morning was dominated by several hundred Woodpigeon, lots of Redwing probably 40-50, 8 Fieldfare and a flock of 30 Goldfinch. There were 10 Blackbirds feeding around the bird table, which is the highest count so far at home. Unlike other thrushes, Blackbirds don't form flocks but seem to have an informal early morning gathering on the ground before melting back into the woods.
The large Holly outside the back door had quite a good berry crop and the higher berries had already been consumed by some Redwing. This morning c30 Redwing descended on the bush and proceeded to strip as much a they could. The holly berries seem to ripen later than the Rowans, but in a couple of days I doubt whether there will be much left, certainly nothing vaguely red by Christmas.
This afternoon I revisited Rackham to overlook the Wildbrooks again, meeting Paul Bowley there for a socially distanced chat. The weather was stunning in the afternoon as it had cleared to bright sunshine and was fairly calm. I saw much the same as Monday, although the water level had risen considerably.
A single female Marsh Harrier, a Merlin, Red Kite, Buzzard, Kestrel and a couple of Sparrowhawk, but as we reached dusk no hen harriers or owls. The wildfowl were still plentiful Wigeon, Teal, Pintail and Shoveler and late on managed to find the 2 White-fronted Geese. The brooks created a great atmosphere with the calling Wigeon and Teal the dominant sound coming form the water.
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| Rdwing |
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| They can look ungainly as they attack the berries on weaker stems |
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| The russet-red underwing gives the bird their name |
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| There are subtle differences in colour between individuals |
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| The 25-30 birds will probably strip the whole tree within a couple of days. |
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| Grey Wagtail on patio |
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| Amberley Wildbrooks in strong afternoon sun. |
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| ..and just after sunset |
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