So as we move into a new year we ask, what’s going to change? Well clearly not the weather as we go from wintry showers to heavy stormy rain showers including Storm Eleanor. There is an element of thinking that Spring is not too far away now and that the bird survey season will soon be upon us, however, it also reminds us that there is a lot of work to be done before then!
Male (back) and female (front) common crossbill by Gavin Chambers
The cold and inclement weather has continued to force birds to ‘garden’ feeders for an easy meal though for those that don’t use feeders they must continue their search for a natural seed source. Common crossbills specialise in feeding on conifer cones from various species to prise open the cones and reach the seeds within. A flock of around 30 have been seen feeding in the larch trees behind the RSPB shop with their constant chirping call heard frequently when close enough. Crossbills are known to move long distances to find a good food source when their ‘local’ cone crop has failed meaning some years we see large numbers and others very few.
Nuthatch by Gavin Chambers
An hour or two spent in the Llechwedd ddu picnic site car park before Christmas produced a small flock of crossbill moving from tree to tree and showing reasonably well in dull conditions. Seed is regularly put out along the fence line here so when you stop the car a flurry of birds can sometimes appear in the hope of food. Chaffinch, coal tit, blue tit, great tit, robin and the very smart nuthatch can all be seen feeding here and can give a good chance for photographs with patience.
Male bullfinch by Gavin Chambers
Also seen that day was the glimpse of a goshawk, a couple of buzzards soaring over, a willow tit feeding along the roadside fence, siskin feeding on birch and alder and some stunning male bullfinch.
Gavin Chambers, Assistant Warden
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