Garden Birdwatch

Completed the RSPB birdwatch this morning.  The usual suspects duly turned up but only one sparrow when I've had five recently, two greenfinch when I've had three, 2 longtails instead of 5 and 2 goldies instead of 4.  The siskins did really well with a max count of 14.  I was hoping a redpoll or two would make an appearance but no joy.

Waxwings and Redpolls

Sara and I went for walk on Monday morning and half way round I noticed a large group of perching birds in the tops of two small ash trees. Out came the bins and sure enough this was a large flock of waxwings. I counted 40 before they flew off northwards in groups of four and five or so making that unmistakable trilling sound.  I've heard waxwings fly over a couple of times but this was the first time I'd actually managed to get a good close look through binoculars - absolutely fantastic!

Today has been very busy on the feeders with the siskins coming regularly now - whilst watching through the binoculars I noticed something that looked like a siskin but wasn't.  It had a faintly pink cap which identified it as a redpoll.  Shortly afterwards it was joined by 5 other individuals two of which were flushed with bright pinky-red chests.  These guys are obviously hanging around with the locals siskins so I hope to see them again before the winter is out.

Compared to last winter I've yet to see bullfinches, wagtails, blackcaps or nuthatches in the garden.  Plenty of time yet though.

Harrington Bramblings

After a constant flow of reports of Bramblings feeding off scattered seed at the entrance to Harrington airfield I decided to drive up there and have a look.  Sure enough, along with chaffinches, blue and great tits, large numbers of bramblings, yellowhammers and reed buntings were happily feeding on the concrete track.  Occasional dogwalkers scattered this little group but they soon returned. Marvellous.

Goldcrests and Siskins

I know I've got goldcrests in the garden, I've heard them and seen them occasionally but never on the feeders.  This week a male and female have separately had a nibble at the suet blocks.  They're very tame and when I topped the feeders up on Friday last week they didn't move until the last second .

And I'm pleased to say the Siskins are back on a regular basis - I counted eight on Sunday on the nyjer seeds and sunflower hearts. Triffic.