A pair of Mistle Thrush have successfully nested next to the house in an ivy clad young Sycamore as there are three young being fed incessantly. Any approaching Jay, Crow or Magpie are immediately threatened with loud alarm calls from both parents and aggressive flying from one or other of the birds sometimes coming within a few inches of the trespasser. However the most aggressive tactics seem to be used against the local male Sparrowhawk. Earlier this week he landed on the arm of the bird feeder having missed his intended target, almost instantly he was hit by one of the Mistle Thrushes, quite literally knocking him off his perch, gathering himself as he fell backwards towards the ground he quickly flew off down the field.
This evening I heard the alarm calls and saw the two Mistle Thrushes 'dive bombing' the hedge at the bottom of the garden, on investigating there was a male Sparrowhawk 'cowering' in the hedge. On seeing me he made his escape as the two thrushes gained height to launch yet another attack.
In the last week the number of Siskins at the feeder has more than doubled, the majority being very smart males. Whilst amongst the multitude of finches a couple of pairs of Lesser Repolls have appeared, the red/pink on the forehead and breast making the males look particularly dapper. Heard my first Redstarts today, at least a week later than last year.
Alan Lyne. Blaenpennal