Notable Recent Sightings

20/04 Whimbrel 1, Dolydd Hafren
12/04 Black-necked Grebe 1, in breeding plumage, Llyn Coed-y-Dinas
10/01 White Stork 1, photo'd near Llansantffraid, present up to 28 Feb
01/10 Glossy Ibis 1, photo'd by Osprey camera at Cors Dyfi
17/09 Grey Phalarope 1 juv, Red Ridge Centre, Cefn Coch, photo'd
29/05 Pink-footed Goose 1, over Welshpool, photo'd on 09/06
01/05 Red-throated Diver 1, Llyn Clywedog
07/02 Whooper Swan 44, Lake Vyrnwy
31/01 Whooper Swan 51, Haimwood, Llandrinio
   
See Sightings Archive for older records

Thursday, March 01, 2018

Feeding frenzy as conditions worsen on the Wern

Numbers of birds visiting the garden to feed have been building steadily over the past few days, but  today's snow has brought out many more, including at least 45 fieldfares which have been feasting, and arguing, on windfall apples around an old tree. Blackbirds have joined in bossily, often ousting the fieldfares when nearer the house. A song thrush seemed to have scratched away a small patch of snow to reveal a hard surface of some kind on which it could bash a snail this morning - it managed perfectly well, despite the conditions. Both male and female brambling have appeared (the first time we've had two in the garden this year) along with a female reed bunting. Lots of siskins, goldfinches, chaffinches, dunnocks, house sparrows and tits, but not a single greenfinch, or a starling.



What a hard time all birds are having of it - hope the snow and cold don't last long - it must be especially hard for owls, and other raptors.
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6 comments:

  1. BRIAN POLLARD1 March 2018 at 21:47

    Nice selection Sue, especially the Reed Bunting. Keep feeding them I guess!

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  2. sue s2 March 2018 at 10:28

    Thanks Brian - photos taken through misty windows and snow flurries, but are a record - have noticed many of the birds 'mantling' their food this morning (Fri 2nd) to keep others off

    ReplyDelete
  3. Eryl Selly2 March 2018 at 11:54

    These are hard times Sue.Rita mantling over our last slice of Hovis as I type. It does bring the birds in though. So far no brambling but a fieldfare to add to our garden list.

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    Replies
    1. sue s2 March 2018 at 19:26

      You're going to have to get baking Eryl - glad you've had a fieldfare though. There were only half as many here today compared to yesterday - hope that's not a bad sign. Have put out most of our apples now, as they've eaten all the windfalls

      Delete
  4. Kev Joynes2 March 2018 at 12:41

    Well done you.

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