Fieldfares

[Elen Sentier]

We had Fieldfares in the guelder rose yesterday afternoon, they've eaten all the holly and most of the hawthorn now. Possible sign of hard winter as they only go for the guelder rose as a last resort.

These aren't my shots, they're very good though and show the bird well. I couldn't get out to them without scaring them away, saw through living room window .

 

[Filterhoose]

Up here in East Lothian I have seen flocks c50+ Fieldfares and Redwings. Scouring the hedgerows. Quite a few Waxwings arriving too. The Jays had a hard time earlier in autumn as there were a dearth of acorns for them to gather and hide. I'm refilling my feeders every three days now as the Great/Blue/Coal/Long Tailed Tits spend their whole days munching. Nijer disapears like snow off a dyke when the Goldfinches and Siskins arrive.

Fieldfares are braw birds. Beautifully coloured.

Windy

 

[British Red]

Field fares do like an apple too


Fieldfare by British Red, on Flickr

 

[daveO]

I love seeing the Fieldfares and Redwings around at this time of year. They're kind of like winter Swallows. Poor birds seem to be struggling with the lack of apples though.

I was lucky enough to get caught up in a flock of them while walking the dog this week. They came piling in and suddenly the hedges to both sides of me were full of them. They didn't seem bother by me or the dog.

 

[Harvestman]

Fieldfares are beautiful birds. My resident blackbirds are hoovering up sultanas and fatball pieces, and the sparrows and robins are clearing up the seeds and crumbs. Tits are only sporadic visitors at the moment and we don't really get finches unfortunately. Bit sparse sadly. Still, if we keep feeding, more will come.

 

[British Red]

I keep wondering if there is something I can put out for curlews and snipe? Get a lot of both at this time of year

 

[Harvestman]

I keep wondering if there is something I can put out for curlews and snipe? Get a lot of both at this time of year

Mealworms might work. Should be worth a try anyway.

 

[Elen Sentier]

Lovely shot, Red, ta for putting it up.

When I first look at it my eyes gestalt the 2 twigs beneath the bird into a pair od stork-legs - think I won't go see the doc, goodness what he might prescribe! I put it down to not enough beer

 

[British Red]

I can see it now you mention it!

 

[Elen Sentier]

Really? didn't know that. I'm afraid I try to psych them away from us round here because the farmer just ploughs straight through their nests. A few years back we had masses nesting in the fields ... then the ploughboys came. The birds dived at the tractors, screaming. I just had to go out for the day, was in tears at their loss, the deaths of the chicks and eggs. We get 2 or 3 birds each spring tumbling and calling over the fields, I do greet them but then just wish them away, to leave, find somewhere safer. I tried telling the farmer about the subsidies and help he could receive ... to no avail.

 

[treetop57]

Up here in East Lothian I have seen flocks c50+ Fieldfares and Redwings. Scouring the hedgerows. Quite a few Waxwings arriving too. The Jays had a hard time earlier in autumn as there were a dearth of acorns for them to gather and hide. I'm refilling my feeders every three days now as the Great/Blue/Coal/Long Tailed Tits spend their whole days munching. Nijer disapears like snow off a dyke when the Goldfinches and Siskins arrive.

Fieldfares are braw birds. Beautifully coloured.

Windy

carefull windy not everone knows what kind of dyke your meaning;lol

 

[British Red]

I thought fieldfares didn't nest on the ground? Never seen one do that.....a bit confused how you would plough through them?

 

[Elen Sentier]

Sorry! Being unclear - I meant the curlews you were talking about. We get them, along with lapwings.

 

[Bushwhacker]

Just heard that 14 waxwings have been spotted in Bournemouth.

 

[British Red]

Sorry! Being unclear - I meant the curlews you were talking about. We get them, along with lapwings.

Aaah - they are a protected species of course ....be well worth ensuring the RSPB know of nest sites

 

[Elen Sentier]

Aaah - they are a protected species of course ....be well worth ensuring the RSPB know of nest sites

Yes and no! We live here and don't want to get thrown out! They no longer nest here, or only one or two wiley ones that have the nous to get over in the odd bits he doesn't plough.