I have been getting up on Burton Fell and Lancelot Clark (Hutton Roof) on most days over the past two weeks. The "haws" are by now quickly dissapearing with a party of about 20 Redwing and quite a large number of Blackbirds which as I have already noted in the past seem to be 100% male birds. To press I have not been fortunate to note any waxwing sitings, yet the territory does include many haws, rosehips, holly berry, but I have not really noticed any Rowan berried trees.
Thankfully the Treecreeper population seems to be holding on, with at least five birds trilling and holding territory around the Lancelot/Pickles Wood areas (accessed from Slape Lane). Also the Nuthatch is common in these parts with many calling with their vibratory clacking calls with at least ten different birds calling from various parts. Grouped Tit parties are regular seen comprising in the main of Coal Tit, Great Tit and Blue Tit. Several Bullfinch have been seen mainly males on sentinel watch easily seen on the very tops of the large interspersed conifers. Brambling have been heard within the many Chaffinch parties which seem to be present in the "Slape Lane" areas. Also a party of several Long Tailed Tit seen on entering Burton Fell (this could well be the same party which are regularly seen (almost daily) on Slape Lane. 3 to 4 Jays seen at regular times again on Slape Lane or Pickles Wood or Lancelot. Also recorded were: Wren, Robin, Dunnock, Woodpigeons, Ravens (2), Carrion Crows, Jackdaws.
24th December
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The nicest day for quite a while allowed for more comprehensive coverage
today. A *Long-tailed Duck* joining the 5 *Common Scoter* in Portland
Harbour was ...
18 hours ago