This year's wet summer has meant that 3 fields of corn on the Wern are still standing as the fields were too wet for the harvesting equipment to work on them. Consequently the birds are now reaping the benefits, and for the first time in many years we are seeing yellowhammers - 6 or so yesterday and 12+ today. There are also good numbers of reed buntings, and large mixed flocks of finches with several brambling amongst them. Interestingly, the crows, rooks and jackdaws seem to be taking ears of wheat up into the tall hedgerow oak and ash trees, and then dropping what they don't eat onto the road below. This means that the areas of lane beneath the trees are particularly good for brambling and large flocks of chaffinch.
A large flock of stock doves, 30+, was feeding along the edge of the arable field yesterday, along with 200+woodpigeons.
Another unexpected bird for me this morning was a Green Sandpiper which got up beside me from a marshy patch by the canal (First time I've seen it on the Wern) - lovely contrast of white lower parts and very dark upper parts.
Thank you for information Sue, worth a look when snow clears
ReplyDeleteyes indeed, we'll have to try and make it over
ReplyDeleteNice one Sue - lovely to have the Yellowhammer close by
ReplyDeleteYes it's certainly a treat! Coincidentally, an article in RSPB y Barcud magazine which has just arrived, talks of a trial to encourage and provide for yellowhammers in the winter by planting various crops which will set seed for the birds. Apparently there's a concern that cereal crop seed may run out mid-winter, whereas seeded ryegrass can last well into March, and may be an option in the Glastir scheme in future. Certainly the Wern yellowhammers are benefitting from the wheat, and we'll be keeping an eye on how long the seed seems to last.
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