Garden Report – 14th December 2010

As the weather changes so do the birds making visits to one's garden or local park. We always notice that it is only when winter arrives that the Coal Tits feel it necessary to visit our feeders, then as things get colder and snow arrives so do the Black-headed Gulls, picking up scraps left on the ground. Our latest achievement this year when the snow had been around for over a week was a Greater Spotted Woodpecker on the peanuts. In the Park the Siskins have arrived back, in good numbers this year, a flock of 10+, along with an influx of Blackbirds & Wrens. Alas no winter thrushes yet, but with another cold front on its way, this winter could be more interesting week by week.

Life bird count: 399. Year bird count: 253. Month bird count: 32.

Photo: Black-headed Gull (Larus ridibundus)

Suffolk – Ipswich Park – 2nd December 2010

Freezing temperatures, snow and winds gusting in, not the worst weather in the country this week but going up to the north Norfolk coast was going to be a difficult sell!. Walking around a town centre park, now that’s easier. There were plenty of birds around, Robins, Thrushes, Tits & Crows and on the water; Mandarin Duck, in wonderful plumage, Mallard, Moorhen & Black-headed Gulls. Even the light wasn’t too bad for a few photographs.

Life bird count: 399. Year bird count: 253. Month bird count: 25.

Photo: Mandarin Duck (Aix galericulata)