Young Robin - taken 2009 in back garden - Enniskerry, Co. Wicklow, Ireland

WEEKLY TWEET

When was the last time you actually watched wildlife in your back garden?

Today? Last week? Can't remember? In today's modern world, we are finding it increasingly difficult to relax and take time out from work or family. This blog is to remind you all of the free entertainment that we can enjoy each and every day - WILDLIFE!

Sunday, January 3, 2010

Redwings Galore!

I saw a new bird for the first time today!
And not just one, there was a huge flock of them mingling with the Redwings.
They were Fieldfares.



Most of you have probably seen these birds for years but this is the first time I've ever caught a glimpse of one so I'm very happy!
I only saw a Redwing for the first time last month and now I'm seeing them everywhere!



We were at a place called Blackditch which is a small nature reserve on the east coast and as soon as we got out of the car, all you heard were the calls of Redwings and Fieldfares in the trees/bushes lining the road.
Once inside the reserve we were amazed at how many there were in the marshy field, the photo below doesn't really do them justice.



They were very wary of people though, making them quite difficult to get close to in order to take decent photos.
There was also a mixed flock of 30+ finches (Goldfinch, Greenfinch & Chaffinch) feeding on the seed heads in the adjacent field - the sound of them 'chattering' non stop was quite something!

I've decided to make it my New Years Resolution to try to see a new species every month (which is actually harder than it sounds in Ireland!). I'm hoping my next one will be Brambling in with the flock of Chaffinches that visit our garden, fingers crossed!

9 comments:

Bob Bushell said...

Hi Sharon, you caught the Redwings and Fieldfares. It's a gift.

Sharon said...

Thanks Bob, I must admit I do feel quite honoured!

Chris said...

Hi Sharon,
Well now I know where they are!! I've been looking for redwings but very few have stayed this winter!! They are all in your garden..
beautiful collection of pictures. Well done.

Warren Baker said...

Good on you Sharon, it's a great thrill to see a new species, I wish you well on your monthly species hunt!

Jenny said...

Hi Sharon, great that you got to see so many Redwings and Fieldfares. They're wonderful thrushes arn't they! I've never managed decent photos either. They're quite skittish. Keep us posted on the new bird a month hunt! (-:

FAB said...

I'm delighted for you AND you have pictures.
Well done Sharon.

Sharon said...

Thanks for all of your comments, I really appreciate them.

Anonymous said...

Good going on the Fieldfares and Redwings Sharon. They're gorgeous aren't they?
When you say Blackditch reserve do you mean the East Coast Nature Reserve? (with the 2 hides) or were you in the Blackditch woods? Cos I tried to find a way into the woods and couldn't.

Sharon said...

Hi Siobhan, this was East Coast Nature Reserve. They now have a leaflet in the hide advising that there is a walk all the way around the reserve, through the woods etc - we haven't tried it yet so not sure if its open.