Missing all those lovely leaves? Don’t! Now that most of the foliage is gone, there’s been a big improvement in the conditions for viewing birds. Many small hedgerow and tree-dwelling birds are no longer concealed by thick leafy cover, so you can see them as well as hear them.
Bare branches bring out the Coal Tit
The Park has received reports of many sightings of seed eating birds such as long tailed tits, chaffinches and bullfinches. Flocks and family groups have been congregating, as they do every winter. Around this time of year, these flocks are also joined by insect eaters such as the goldcrest and the treecreeper, two of the most colourful and interesting residents in the Park.
Cheeky little long tailed tit
Less of those pesky leaves means more opportunities to spot treecreepers, as they cling to the trunks of trees and graze the bark for juicy insects. This very small, active bird eats, sleeps and breeds in trees.
Hanging on...the treecreeper
The goldcrest is the UK’s tiniest songbird and contender for smallest bird on these islands altogether. Goldcrests have a thing for conifers and love forest areas (and sometimes gardens too), but only if there are conifers amongst the trees and bushes.
Now is a good time to keep the eyes peeled for wee winter visitors also. Amongst the most diminutive - the redwing, the smallest true thrush in the UK. These Scandinavian natives arrive in October/November to enjoy our balmy winter climate through until April. Redwings prefer open fields and hedgerows for feeding on worms and berries, only venturing into gardens if snow covers the grassy meadows they prefer.
Recently, redwings were sighted near The Giant’s Ring, which is quite a coup, as this very vulnerable species has red status.
To learn more about these birds and hear their calls go to the wildlife/bird guide on this RSPB site. There are even videos to watch!
Chaffinch, coal tit and treecreeper photos provided by Lagan Valley Regional Park