Whether I am at work, dog walking, and of course birding, it has become apparent that Song Thrushes are doing well. A few years ago this species was sadly reported as being in decline, however, my experience recently is that numbers are quite healthy on my patch.
In the winter months our resident Song Thrush numbers are augmented by winter visitors from Europe, however, this is a good time to get out to assess the number of territories occupied by our resident singing male birds.
February is a good time to see and hear Song Thrushes as they defend their territories for the forthcoming breeding season. The following is just an example of recent counts:
4th February 8+ singing males in a small area of woodland habitat at Thompson
16th February 5 singing males along a 500m stretch of road near 'The Arms'
18th February 9+ singing males along a small section of forest rides near Hilborough
Conducting a tetrad wide survey would undoubtedly show this species has bounced back from the previously reported declines.
In addition to the birds heard on the 18th February (0615-0645) visit near Hilborough, 5 male Tawny Owls were calling and a single Woodlark was in song.
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