I have not yet seen a fieldfares in our garden or adjacent fields near Bristol but the usual high numbers of redwings have appeared.
We have a 30ft cotoneaster hedge in our front garden covered in berries which is usually cleared by the redwings and fielfares but not this year. A thrush (Mistle I think) has taken over the hedge and guards it all day. He chases away any redwings that attempt to feed. I have seen him clear away six or seven redwings at a time.
Anyone in this area noticed fewer fieldfares?
Hello Roy, I am surprised that with all the sightings throughout the country of fieldfare and redwings, your cotoneaster is still full of berries and that one mistle thrush is managing to keep them at bay. Lovely to have a mistle thrush in the garden. Hope it stays around.
Hi Roy, I'm certain they'll be around the area in good numbers, they are widespread all over the country at the moment. I guess it is still hit and miss as to if/when they come into your garden specifically. so long as you keep your eyes pealed I'm sure they'll be taking full advantage of the cotoneaster and Pyracanthra berries somewhere near by so they'll be working towards you! fingers crossed they arrive before long
Hi Roy and welcome to the forum. I know of someone else in Gloucestershire who has only had but one or two fieldfares and redwings visit her garden and they only arrived this last week so there is still a chance you will see them. She is North Gloucestershire so when they have ravaged the bushes there they could well head on down your way in larger numbers which might give them more of a chance against your sentry mistle thrush!.
The necessity of bird-watching is a really good reason for avoiding all forms of housework.
The dust will still be there tomorrow - the birds may not be!