It was to say the least exciting to have my fifth sighting of Bullfinch again in Lancaster Cemetery this week.
This sighting was particularly interesting in that, not only are these excellent records for the location, but the Bullfinch is known to be a shy bird, and doesn't usually show itself on the ground, hardly ever feeding more than a few metres from cover. I'm more acquainted to seeing the Bullfinch extracting seeds from fruit on trees or bushes, small seed-heads and fruits are removed when fallen to the ground which is what was going on here.
The ground feeding Bullfinch was certainly a first for me, with both male and female collecting seeds found on the grave and surroundings having fallen from the tree which is as yet unidentified beyond it being of the genus Sorbus....Probably Sorbus aucuparia
Also in the cemetery a lone Redwing, briefly atop of a tree before flying off. It joins its lone cousin the Fieldfare which I saw at Cockersand 1 December, being the only two winter thrushes I've seen this winter to date.
Williamson's Park.
Birds of note as I wandered through the park, 2 Song Thrush took top spot for me, Mistle Thrush, a Jay, Nuthatch, Goldcrest, Wren, a few Wood Pigeon, at least 20 Blackbird, and a similar number of Magpie. To note at the feeding station, up to 5 Dunnock and 5 Coal Tit.
Ashton Memorial. Pete Woodruff.
There there was some attractive colours on the fallen ice covered leaves of the Canadian Maple in Williamson's Park.
Community Spirit.
The Robin putting in an appearance, the Blackbird having a go at the apple, and the Starling and House Sparrows, all showing a little harmony in the garden.
Many thanks to Steve Graham for the header image of four of the eight Caton Moor wind turbines with heads above the mist to create an atmospheric scene, along with the excellent record of 3 Stonechat reported to me whilst up there.
And Finally.
Yes, another Stonechat image....Well what do you expect, this is B2B, and this is a 1st winter male Stonechat at Conder Pool. Classic the bird, excellent the image, thanks to Howard Stockdale.
What a good video of the Bullfinches. Must admit on the rare occasions I have seen them they have always been in trees.
ReplyDeleteQuite a few Fieldfare along Moss Lane between Jeremy Lane and Slack lane the other day.
Header picture is quite unusual makes a good photo.
Burst water pipe on Fairfield Road Morecambe this morning enabling several birds to have a good bath which was quite amusing just hope they didn’t freeze!
Cheers for the blog again.
Enjoyed the Bullfinch video, Pete. It reminded me that we seem to have lost our regular garden Bullfinches now. We did have a femle make visits for a few days a couple of weeks ago (interestingly, that spent some time ground-feeding too), but I think it's several months since we've had a male.
ReplyDeleteVery busy at the moment as I just got Lindsay out of hospital late yesterday afternoon, and she has barely any mobility at all. Hoping that improves soon!
Best wishes - - - Richard
Ian/Richard Thank You.
ReplyDeleteHope Lindsey makes a speedy recovery, whilst I'm confident she is in excellent nursing hands with you as nurse Richard.
Kind Regards to all....Pete.