Christine's walking & birds blog

Pulling in at the dam I scanned the wall and saw a mistle thrush and three meadow pipits. The idea of a walk here in the bright cold weather was inviting - but I couldn't resist driving on to Silverbridge on the off-chance of seeing the crested tit again. The two grey wagtails had become three, and two of them - presumably both males - were involved in territorial disputes, flying up and down the river and calling repeatedly. One also went up in a display flight, which I've never seen before. A dipper was also fairly vocal.

Crossbills were once more in evidence, with two males (again!) having a bit of aggro; the individual with the more deeply red colouring seemed to chase the yellow/orange (possibly younger) bird.

Coal tits were very vocal, pairing up and beginning to claim territory. I still haven't seen a goldcrest this year, despite several visits to forested areas; and although I scanned high and low - from pine canopies to areas of carr - I wasn't lucky with the crestie. :o(