Birds to look out for this autumn and winter

- the RSPB give as the low down

Flocks of redwings and fieldfares have started to arrive from Scandinavia and Iceland. These are migrating thrushes, which come to Scotland to escape the harsh winter weather of these more northerly countries. They form rather noisy and nomadic flocks, moving along hedgerows, scrub and even gardens, looking for berries. Redwings do indeed have red under there wing and this is the easiest way to identify them, along with their prominent pale stripe above the eye, which make them distinctive from our resident song and mistle thrushes. Fieldfares are the most colourful of the thrushes and have a grey head, reddish-brown back, grey rump and black tail. Also, keep an eye out on grassy fields and playing fields for fieldfares, which also favour searching for insects in the grass.

Waxwings are another species worth keeping an eye out for and, again, your best chance of seeing them is to look out for berry trees like hawthorn and rowan, where the birds may be feeding. Waxwings also seem to be particularly fond of cotoneaster, which is a berry other birds tend to avoid. Waxwings have very noticeable crests and beautiful pinkish brown plumage with cinnamon and grey tails and are about the size of a plump starling. They're usually found in the cold climes of Scandinavia and Northern Russia, but small numbers are often spotted around Scotland every winter, as the birds cross the sea in the quest for their favourite food: berries. In some winters there are erruptions of these fabulous birds and flocks of up to a couple of hundred can be seen.

Why not visit Gartmorn Dam this winter?
The winter is fast approaching and you'll have noticed that the weather is beginning to turn (your probably thinking it already has turned!). This, however, is good news for Gartmorn Dam, as it spells the beginning of the most exciting part of the year for this country park and nature reserve.

It is during the winter months that we begin to see some of the most exciting wildlife that Clackmannanshire has to offer. Visiting goldeneyes and pochards can be seen diving for food, while wigeons and teals dabble for food on the waters surface.

You can also see visiting flocks of greylag and pink-footed geese as they head south from Iceland and Greenland for relatively warmer climes. Mute swans will also be a regular sight on the reserve over the winter months, however keep an eye out and you might be able to spot the odd whooper swan as they head in to Scotland for the winter months.

Gartmorn Dam is a winter treasure for wildlife enthusiasts and to aid your enjoyment of the site the RSPB has started up a 'date with nature' project at the country park. Throughout the winter, there will be activities and events, which will allow people to make the most of this fantastic site.

We are looking for volunteers to help out, so if you are interested please contact David Anderson: 07736 477475 email: danderson@clacks.gov.uk

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