Tuesday 1 December 2009

Tuesday 1st December


The bridleway from North Pole Road, Barming through to Kiln Barn Road, Ditton was alive with birds this morning; Bullfinches (x4), Redwings (x7), Song Thrushes (x2), Great, Blue and Long-tailed Tits - but fuelled by my advent chocolate and running late for work I had to zip by most of them. The first frost of the ground frost of the winter in Barming had obviously pushed everything into foraging mode.

Ditton Quarry was due a long overdue visit, and within minutes of arriving there at lunchtime I picked out a Lesser Redpoll...and then another....and another! A small group of 5 birds was feeding on Alders in the SW corner. I attempted some photos (always difficult little buggers to photograph as they're so high up) and then wandering further around the Alders and Silver Birches I started picking out more Redpolls. They were very active, as Redpolls usually are, and mixing with a large charm of Goldfinches. In total I reckon there were at least 20 individuals, all Lessers, but I'm sure there's a lot more on site.

4 comments:

Ken. said...

Hi Adam
Quite a contrast to yesterday.A nice count of Redpolls, maybe a Mealy, or Arctic one day. They are great little birds (buggers) when you can see them, as you say.Still at least you got some photo's.
Some other good birds also seen Adam.

Phil Sharp said...

Good to see you on the box the other night Adam..........will get your autograph next time I see you!!

Warren Baker said...

What a difference some sunshine makes ! birds everywhwere today.

jps said...

I bet these are the same redpolls that visit my garden in January - still waiting for them to turn up!