News. Winter visitor birds starting to arrive

Monday, 12th October 2020

Winter visitor birds are starting to arrive in the Abingtons.  Migrating to the UK from their breeding areas in northern Europe, the recent northerly winds have resulted in large numbers of 'winter visitor' birds arriving in the UK over the last few days. 

Both species of 'winter thrush' - Redwing and Fieldfare - were spotted flying over the Old Railway Cutting and Lewis Crescent today, by Andy M.   Photos of both species below, were taken from the very useful 'How to Identify' article on the Woodland Trust website (link here).

Last year, the first Redwing were seen on 9th, and the first Fieldfare on 31st October.

If you spot any winter-visitor birds, or indeed any other interesting birds in the parishes, please let Derek T know in the usual way.

Fieldfare

Slightly larger than a Blackbird.

Characteristic grey head and tail, chestnut back, and speckled breast, tinged with orange.

Feeds in open fields.  Bold and noisy, making a characteristic 'clacking' call, often from tree tops.

Redwing

Slightly smaller than a Blackbird.

Distinctive white eye stripe, and red underwing patch, with dull brown back and speckled breast.  

More quiet and shy. Often seen feeding in berry bushes. Makes quiet 'seeep' call.