Strange Redwings

As we were looking through the Redwing flocks last week it was apparent that they were making sounds I’ve never heard Redwings make before. Sure they were making the ‘steeep’ and ‘gack’ calls we always here them make but there were some wonderful sounds coming from some individuals that just made me think where the hell are these birds from.

Thrushes are renowned for plumage abnormalities and we saw several. One individual initially seen by Andrew (top photo) must have got his pulse racing. Redwing/Dusky Thrush intergrade perhaps, or just another aberrant Redwing; who knows. Several birds in the flock had abnormalities.

Apologies for the photographs by the way – thrushes are not the most approachable of wildlife and these were taken at great distance in failing light.

Breakfast Bounty

As I opened the door yesterday the sky was a deep lead grey and it was wet; very wet, and quite dark. Rain was pouring down but as I stood looking outside contemplating the route of my morning walk I noticed the ivy bush opposite was bearing heavy with black berries swollen with the moisture. I wasn’t the only one to notice.

As I stood there a regular procession of thrushes came to take advantage of the bounty; mainly Blackbirds but among them the odd Redwing. From within the bush came a Song Thrush; not common here on the hill. Her apricot speckled breast added a little brightness to the dull of the morning.