Following recent “muck” spreading behind the caravan in Glynarthen there was a flock of over a hundred Fieldfares and Redwings feeding there yesterday. Particularly noticeable was the fact that many of the Fieldfares, especially, were resplendent in what I first took to be summer plumage. They were certainly looking striking in the afternoon sun and apparently far more colourful than I have noticed in the depths of winter. The most obvious difference was in the depth of colour especially on their backs which were a deep, rich brown and their breasts which were vibrantly golden. Perhaps, it was an illusion brought about by the quality of the sun but it was an impressive spectacle. Do Fieldfares have what can be recognised as a “summer” plumage or is it maybe that their general condition is improving?
Also, late yesterday afternoon (between about 4.30 and 5.00) and again this morning (between 8.00 and 8.30) waves of Starlings, in total many thousands, flying in an easterly (last night) and reverse (this morning) direction across the fields to the north of Glynarthen. I was outside at the time and could not fail to notice them. As each wave came over you first heard them – an increasingly loud “whooshing” and then, looking up, they were a spectacular sight, presumably making their way to and from the roost at Mydroilyn.
Roger Watkins