A Winter Visitor

Fieldfares are another one of my favourite birds. These gorgeous winter visitors come here from Scandinavia, presumably to escape the harsh winter weather. They flock together, feeding on windfall apples in the old orchard, conversing noisily with scolding chattering calls, unmistakeable with their beautiful slaty blue grey head, brown back, and cream speckled chest. This weekend I was lucky enough to watch these lovely thrushes as they fed, pecking pieces of frosty fruit, and squabbling amongst themselves. They were joined by a large flock of Starlings and a couple of Carrion Crows too, all feasting on the fallen apples. Suddenly they all took flight, a single alarm call preceded the whoosh of wings as they fled into the sky, a Sparrowhawk glided silently through the trees, broad wings and long tail, directly above my head.

Fieldfare170116DM9396

 

 

(Click images to view larger…)

If you like what you see, please consider sharing![social_share/]
UK & Eire Natural History Bloggers

Follow me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DawnMonroseNaturePhotography

Similar Posts

  • Slavonian Grebe

    Out practising with the new lens today, and decided to head to the fine city of Norwich. More specifically, Whitlingham Country Park. Despite being close to the hustle and bustle of the city, the park often attracts our more unusual winter wildlife. The local waterfowl proved to be great target training. A serene Mute Swan,…

  • Wigeon

    What a beautiful day it was on Sunday! Decided to head for Strumpshaw again, but things were a bit quiet, although I did see my first ever Brambling. Then we visited Strumpshaw’s ‘sister’ reserve – Buckenham Marshes, which at this time of year is home to thousands of Wigeon, as well as geese. Wigeon are…

  • Just a Woodpigeon

    Saw this chap sitting on the fence outside the living room window, so decided to take his picture. Shot through the window, I was surprised that the sharpness and clarity were ok. Quick update on the Turtle doves too – they’ve been seen almost daily, so I’ve got all my fingers crossed that I’ll be…

  • They’re back!

    Spring has finally sprung down on the Fen. As if someone has flicked a switch, the reedbed is full of birds singing. A Chiffchaff calls from the hedge, a tumble of notes come from an unseen Willow warbler, and the Reed buntings chirp out their simple song from the still frosty reeds. I suddenly hear…

  • Shieldbug

    Not had much time for photography of late, which is a shame as there is so much to photograph! This interesting creature is a Forest Shieldbug, which hitched a ride on the outside of my car. When we arrived home he flew off onto the wooden fence, against which he was quite well camouflaged. I…

  • Expect the Unexpected

    Had the day off work today, so of course I headed over to the Fen, hoping to try photographing the Redwing again. Unfortunately it looks like they have moved on. Lots of birds around today though, all quite vocal in the mild temperature especially the Great tits. Saw a Shelduck at the far end, and…

2 Comments

Leave a Reply