Nature

Our birdlife this winter Our birdlife this winter

During the winter months we all look forward to spring and the sight of the fi rst swallow. ‘Our’ swallows are now known to winter in South Africa, nearly 10,000 km (6000 miles) away, although in Gilbert White’s day (1720-1793) they were thought to overwinter in the mud of ponds! Their migration journey includes a crossing of the 2000-mile wide Sahara Desert. The change to milder winters over the last 40-50 years has meant that some fl owers are in bloom almost all the year round. A few migrant birds have altered their migration pattern and some remain in Britain through the winter. There are now far more blackcaps and chiff chaff s overwintering in suburban gardens and coastal sites, and some gardens may host several blackcaps during winter. Even small numbers of swallows are now spending the winter in coastal areas of Cornwall. Flocks of redwings and fi eldfares are often seen in the countryside from autumn to spring, feeding on berries and other food. In very cold weather, they even come into gardens. However, there was an almost total failure of rowan berries across Scandinavia in autumn this year. Probably as a result of this berry shortage, easterly winds at the end of October resulted in a huge arrival of winter thrushes on the east coast. Several locations recorded thousands of redwings, with 33,000 over Flamborough and an amazing 122,000 counted over Crosby Marine Park in Lancashire, together with 19,000 fi eldfares. In October, whilst staying on Lundy in the Bristol Channel, I witnessed an amazing passage of thrushes, mainly fi eldfares, over several days, including

one day when over 4,000 fi eldfares were counted, with fewer redwings and ring ouzels. Fieldfares and redwings breed from Scandinavia right across to eastern Russia. They feed on hawthorn, holly berries and rosehips; when feeding on the ground they take worms, snails, beetle larvae and other invertebrates. As a result of this year’s outbreak of avian infl uenza, many seabird colonies across Britain and Ireland have been devastated, with many birds dying. This has aff ected a variety of seabirds, with gannets, terns and skuas badly aff ected. Apparently the virus can survive for a year or more and there is great concern that it may continue to aff ect seabird colonies next year. The virus is probably spread through wild birds “ Flocks of redwings and fi eldfares are often seen in the coming into contact with infected chickens, and then migrating to another country. countryside from autumn to spring, feeding on berries and Greenfi nch numbers have declined over the last decade due to trichomonosis, which other food. In very cold weather, aff ects their lungs. Recent they even come into gardens. ” research has now shown that chaffi nches, as well as A greenfi nches, can also be infected with trichomonosis. Since birds visit garden feeding stations on a daily basis, it is very important to clean out the feeders regularly to avoid spreading disease. Don’t forget to provide water for the birds to bathe in; this helps to keep their plumage in good condition. Even a small bird bath is useful. If you get frequent visits from a sparrowhawk intent on his breakfast, place the bird feeders close to a hedge or thick bush so that the birds have somewhere to hide! n Anthony John

Feed the birds...

Image © Ben Andrew (rspb-images.com) © Ben Andrew (rspb-images.com)

Taking the time to watch feathered friends in the garden inside of potatoes. can often help to reduce stress and restore calm. And With a range of options to help tempt your local birds with over 60% of the UK population regularly feeding into your garden, the RSPB is urging people across the their garden birds, research suggests that this helps country to stock up their feeders and ensure fresh water around 196 million birds a year. is available this winter. Keeping your feeders and It is also important to water trays topped up is important at this time of year to help your garden birds “ If your bird feed supplies are running low, your cupboards can hold maintain the hygiene of bird feeders and bird baths throughout the year. survive through the winter. the answer to attracting feathered Regularly discard any If your bird feed supplies are running low, your cupboards friends to your garden. ” uneaten food, clean feeders and bird baths with a mild can hold the answer to detergent and warm water, attracting feathered friends and allow to air-dry. This to your garden. Fruits like will help the health of your apples and pears, even when feathered friends. past their best, can be The RSPB, which has been snapped up by blackbirds monitoring trends in garden and thrushes, while grated bird numbers for over 40 mild cheese can be a years, is on hand to provide fantastic source of energy top tips on how to attract and protein for a range of wildlife to your garden as birds. Cooked pastry, part of its popular Big defrosted peas or unsalted Garden Birdwatch survey. bacon leftovers are also See page 37 for details of great options, as well as how to get involved. n cooked rice, pasta and the