From the Cumbernauld News and Kilsyth Chronicle
November 13th 2002.
RSPB - Scotland November 2002.
AS the seasonal changes gather momentum, so does
the influx of
winter visiting birds to Cumbernauld and Kilsyth.
Members of the thrush family have been arriving
in abundance.
Blackbirds, often seen around our parks and gardens have been
arriving in the region. These birds are winter migrants that
arrive
here from Northern Europe in search of milder wintering grounds
swelling the numbers of our resident breeding blackbirds.
Fieldfares, with their grey head and red brown back usually
reach
peak numbers of arrival this month, with flocks of several hundred
birds, often in mixed thrush flocks. Their harsh chack chack
call
is often the first sign of this beautifully marked thrush. In
recent
times, there have been good numbers of fieldfare around
Auchinloch near Lenzie, and Fannyside Lochs, flying noisily
in
groups from tree to tree.
The redwing is another thrush that migrates
to Britain from
Scandinavia and Iceland. The browny red underwing is a striking
feature in identification, as is the pale eye stripe, together
with its
smaller size and darker appearance than the song thrush. You
may
have heard their thin seeep calls, particularly at night, as
flocks
pass overhead. Redwings have been called wind thrush or whin
thrush, as their high-pitched call was considered similar to
the
sound of wind rushing through the trees. At Baron's Haugh and
Lochwinnoch RSPB Scotland reserves, flocks of redwings have
been extremely active, particularly around the berry bearing
shrubs
and trees. As both species mainly prefer open country with
hedgerows, keep an eye out for mixed flocks, especially around
the Upper Kelvin Valley. In especially cold weather, they will
readily visit gardens and are extremely partial to fruit. This
extra
food source can be invaluable as redwings are particularly at
risk during cold weather.
This month a small shrub is displaying its
delightful wares along
our lanes and hedgerows. The Blackthorn is a curious tree. Also
known as blackhaw or bullister, at the start of spring, its
dark,
almost black wood is covered with a spectacular show of creamy
white blossoms, which strangely appear before any leaves. The
tree is often used in hedge laying, where stems are partly cut
and
bent, encouraging new growth to form a livestock-proof barrier.
It was once believed to be a very magical tree; the fact that
it
blossomed so early was seen to indicate bravery. Its branches
were considered powerful and were often used as walking sticks.
Its long spikes or thorns provide birds with a protective hiding
place and the more careless amongst us with the odd cut as we
pick the fruits called sloes that appear in autumn. They have
an
extremely bitter taste and are quite unpleasant, though with
the
right preparation, can provide us with delights for the festive
season.
The most popular use is in flavouring gin
and vodka and in the
making of sloe gin. Herbalists used sloes in the treatment of
blood
disorders and stomach complaints. Keep an eye out along hedgerows
for the beautifully coloured fruits.
RSPB Scotland Fourth Valley local group have
indoor meetings
and talks in The Cowane Centre, Stirling. For further information
contact Etta Payne on 01324 711610, everyone will be most
welcome.
RSPB Scotland Glasgow local group have group
outings and
indoor meetings held in Woodside Halls, Clarendon St, off
Maryhill Road. For further information contact Jim Coyle on
0141 579 7565.
RSPB Scotland works for a healthy environment
rich in birds
and other wildlife. We depend on the support and generosity
of
others to make a difference. If you would like to support our
work, please join the society.
To find out more about wildlife, contact us
on 0141 576 4100,
email: Glasgow@rspb.org.uk or visit the wedsite at:-
www.rspb.org.uk
