The hard weather is bringing the upland birds overwintering on the higher areas of the Moorlands down to the wetter warmer areas of Staffordshire. Keith reports seeing a flock of over 100 lapwings crossing our valley heading south yesterday. He says flocks in excess of 100 goldfinch, siskin, green finch and lesser redpoll can also be spotted feeding in birch and alder in the valley. And Steph in Cheddleton tweeted to say she's seen brambling on her bird table and now the redwings have arrived, a sign of how cold it is. I had a mini murmeration when 50+ starlings descended on my birdtable, but I have to confess I have a soft spot for long tailed tits.
Make sure you keep feeding the birds in the garden and you might get some more unusual visitors. If you are wondering what to put out for the birds please take a look at the advice from RSPB Coombes Valley. Good to know it needn't cost much at all to protect our wild birds.
http://www.rspb.org.uk/advice/helpingbirds/feeding/whatfood/scraps.aspx
keep up with this conversation on Twitter by following @RSPBCoombes and @ChurnetValley or joining our Facebook page www.facebook.com/ChurnetValley
Let us know your bird sightings. Even better, send us a picture.