The recent cold snap has promoted an influx of thrush species to the reserves and surrounding countryside. Movements of blackbirds and song thrush have seen the local population temporarily expand and northerly species the redwing and fieldfare have dramatically increased in the past week. The main driver of this movement is food related. With the ground frozen they have difficulties finding invertebrates and so rely heavily upon fruits and berries. Hawthorns have been particularly berry rich this year and occasionally the trees that line the paths at Radipole have been overwhelmed by flocks of colourful redwing. Redwing migrate at night and the night skies are currently alive with their 'tssst' call. For more information and to hear their calls click on the bird identifier below.
Although on occasions both redwing and fieldfare breed in the north of Scotland, the vast majority are from Iceland and Scandinavia. If the freeze continues then the numbers of these birds will only increase and if you want to give them a Christmas treat then an apple or two sliced in two and placed in an open space (away from lurking Tom Cats), or impaled on a twig will be gratefully received.
Redwing.
Fieldfare.
http://www.rspb.org.uk/wildlife/birdguide/name/r/redwing/index.aspx
http://www.rspb.org.uk/wildlife/birdguide/name/f/fieldfare/index.aspx