Have you ever had that experience when you get up really early in the morning, it’s still dark and no-one else is awake? For a short time, while the sky is magical with wispy waves of star glitter, you could be the only person on the planet. I used to get this feeling when I was younger and I had a paper round in the mornings. Especially in January and February, when it can be bitterly cold and eerily quiet. Now of course, I no longer get up for my paper round! But with adulthood, comes other responsibilities and interests. I’m currently trying to get fit for the Spring and early mornings, while everyone else is tucked up in bed, are often the only time I am able to get out on my bike.
I always get that sharp intake of breath when i step out into the cold air and for the first few minutes, i battle with the temptation of getting back into bed. I always try to sings songs to myself when i’m out; It keeps my mind occupied and helps to lift my spirit. Although i often have the same lyrics going round and round on repeat. For my last few rides i have been accompanied by a mistle thrush who seems to have the same problem!
How do I know he’s a mistle and not a song thrush? He’s actually a lot bolder and bigger in size. He’s always perched high in a tree along my route - a typical trait of this tuneful bird. Mistle thrushes were often called ‘storm cocks’ because of their ability to sing loudly, even through bad weather. The best way I have found to tell it apart from the song thrush, is by checking out the underwings. If it is a mistle thrush, these will be white. This should be easy to spot because they tend to fly higher, in a more wave-like pattern.
Mistle thrushes are certainly ferocious creatures. If you spot some commotion around a holly or hawthorn, chances are this feisty character will be central to the action. Individual birds will defend their chosen bush with it’s berries and fend off any other birds trying to get in on the food supply. You can often hear their scratchy squarks a mile off. This behavior is fascinating and is often called ‘resource guarding’. I suppose it’s a bit like me standing by the fruit and veg stall at the market not letting anyone else have any of the supplies until I know I have had my fair share to see me through to spring!
Don’t get me wrong, I adore my mornings out when I am allowed this little peek into the life of such a wonderful bird, but I certainly wouldn’t cross a mistle thrush over a berry-laden bush!