The number of birds in the mixed flock on Sandy Ridge meadow is building up nicely. I estimated over 500 fieldfares, 200 starlings, 150 redwings, 20 meadow pipits, several mistle thrush and a few goldfinches, all feeding in a large group on the grass this morning.
Although it was fairly quiet on the bird front on yesterday's Winter Wonderland walk, we did have a small party of crossbills flying over us, on their way to the block of pines at the hillfort.With the sun shining, it felt and looked more like early autumn than winter! After the group had left, we stood around the fire and were treated to views of 8 raven's in the air!..all flying over the woods on the edge of Sandy Ridge. Although we are now seeing raven's on a daily basis , I believe this this the largest single figure we've had here; certainly in recent history.