Highwoods Preservation Society

NOW the trees are bereft of their leaves, birds are much easier to see.

Not just because of the lack of leaf cover but also due to the shorter daylight hours '“ they have less time in which to feed, so they are more active.

Now is a good time to see Britain's smallest birds, the closely related GOLDCREST and FIRECREST. Goldcrests are resident in the woods throughout the year and are usually found among the Scots Pines. These busy birds flit restlessly from branch to branch in search of food, often in groups. They are more often heard than seen as they call incessantly with their high-pitched squeaks. Although they are more normally seen in the upper branches at this time of the year they can often be seen closer to the ground.

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The Firecrest is much rarer and is only a winter visitor. They tend to be seen singly and nearly always among low bushes and scrub. Underneath the electric lines among the gorse and other bushes is a favourite place for them, as they hunt for their special delicacy of spiders.

Indeed, there have been several sightings of Goldcrests in this location recently. While both birds look very alike, if you can get a good view they can be separated because the Firecrest has a white stripe just above the eye. The "crest" is orange on the male while the female's is yellow. This "crest", as such, is not a comb or tuft but merely feathers on top of their heads.

If it gets really cold many of the smaller birds huddle together for warmth, often in a previous nest hole in a tree. Another bird most likely to be seen at this time of the year is the SISKIN, much like a small Greenfinch. They tend to work their way through the woods in flocks and bring attention to themselves with their busy high-pitched chatter. They usually keep to the tops of the trees and along the north side of the ghyll is a favourite spot for them.

Weather Lore

"If sun shines through the apples trees upon a Christmas Day,

When autumn comes they will a load of fruit display."

Season's Greetings to all our supporters

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