As the swallows herald spring the Redwings appear as harbingers of winter.
And the bird was spotted in Scapegoat Hill this week by Mark Mercer, who took this image of the uncommon visitor to these parts.
He said: “Having come from Scandinavia or Russia they are enjoying this year’s absolute bonanza of berries.
“Most will move on further south but for a short time about now we can enjoy a little thrill of seeing them in our gardens.
“A small flock accompanied by a couple of Mistle Thrushes spent half an hour or so enjoying berries in our neighbour’s garden in Scapegoat Hill.
“The Mistle Thrushes have more distinct spots and the Redwings are identified by a distinct stripe of white over their eyes and a reddish patch on their flanks.”
Mark says the birds are not easy to photograph as they are dark against the branches, and says he’s lucky to get the snaps he’s shared with the Examiner.
“They are not easy to photograph because they are dark against the sky, hopping about on branches that are waving in the wind. I was a bit lucky to get the snaps”, he said.
