Hello,
Not sure where to post this! But my mum made me all excited.
She told me she saw a bright yellow bird dart through the woodland in Chandlers Ford where we live - obviously only one bird came to my mind, the Golden Oriole. I showed her the picture and she was 1000% sure that was the bird she saw.
I do believe her, but according to the RSBP page, there are only between 7 - 15 breeding pairs! Perhaps this one was just on passage, they are normally found in the east I believe, but its nice to think we have some down south.
I'd love them to stay and their numbers increase, they are beautiful birds and I'd love to see one myself!
Hi Cheesyem
Golden Orioles tend to favour Poplar tree plantations as we have here in East Anglia,
they have started to return, here is a blog about them ,
www.rspb.org.uk/.../sun-shine-bird.aspx
The species that is most often mistaken for Golden Oriole (and a far commoner species) is Green Woodpecker - the bright yellow rump is sometimes all that is noticed when one flies past, especially if it is heading away from the observer.
http://www.creamygoodness.co.uk/Images/Photos/WildBirds4/GreenWoodpecker.jpg
Blog: http://www.buteowildlife.blogspot.com/
30 - 40 years ago the New Forest had a small breeding population of Golden Orioles. It would be good if they returned.....
Every day a little more irate about bird of prey persecution, and I have a cat - Got a problem with that?
Be a first if you are right. I live in C F, would like to know which wood it was seen in?
Take care all, Stich.
My gallery Here Flickr Here
My mum saw it in Knightwood opposite the community centre. She said it wasn't a green woodpecker because she said it had a yellow stomach and she's seen lots of greenies before and would know what one was.
Thanks C, I live a short distance away, will keep an eye open when I am around.