Breckland Birder

Breckland Birder
Red Deer in Breckland, Norfolk Photo by Paul Newport

Wednesday 20 December 2017

Little Cressingham (Finches and Buntings)

I decided on a late afternoon visit to a large maize/weedy strip along the Great Cressingham Road to check on Finch activity.  There was total cloud cover, mist, poor visibility, and of course, low light.  Despite these conditions there was plenty to see with Finch and Buntings dominating.
Poor light and dull conditions probably dampen many a spirit, however, birds always raise my spirits, even in the poorest conditions.
It was clearly evident that may Finches and Buntings were present both on the hedgerows, trees, and nearby maize strip.  The most abundant species seen today was Chaffinches, Greenfinches, and several Bramblings, with a flock of Linnets often wheeling above patches of weeds.  Also present here was several Yellowhammers and the odd Reed Bunting.
A small flock of Fieldfares were nervously moving through tops of Larch trees, even in poor light their grey heads, nape, ochre breasts, and streaking and spots were clearly seen on the birds breast and flanks.  Flying from tree to tree the Fieldfares gave their familiar, hard "shak shak" calls.
With daylight fading quickly, Finches began leaving the maize strip and flew south to their roost sites, probably in thick conifer plantations.  At the same time, small flocks of Starlings flew over south to their communal roost site.

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