Nice to see your photo's Palustris.I look forward to seeing them each year as they come over here to winter visit.I spotted the first ones back in November,when I was out with the camera and it was their distinct call that alerted me that they were coming over before I saw them.I like to see Redwings as well,but don't get that many out our way...They do enjoy the ornamental apple fruits on the trees round our village and in our gardens.
I think Marge they are a member of the Thrush family,but without my books to hand I am not quite sure
Alas, I see very few now as they tend to come for our berries when there is a hard winter in Scandinavia. Lucky you to have a flock of 60+
Palustris,just had a quick look in one of my bird books which says the size is 24-27cm[10ins] The Dutch name for them is;Kramsvogel,German is Wacholderdrossel,French Grive litorne and Swedish,Bjorktrast...Phew but I prefere plain old Fieldfare myself...It is also reckoned that a few odd pairs have bred here since 1967.Lovely spot though well done to you
I will have to keep my eyes peeled, now I know what to look for. I see you leave fallen fruit down for the birds.
I first saw a field full of them when I first moved to Hemel, and went home to report that I'd seen a field full of thrushes, and had never seen that before. Mr D immediately said if it was a field full of them, they were fieldfares! So yes - they're related to thrushes! :D http://www.rspb.org.uk/birds/guide/f/fieldfare/index.asp
Hardly see them down here unless it is cold for a long time although when it is we are more likely to see Redwings. They are known to have a liking for apples.
