REDWINGS

 Hello! I don't know about you; but here in London we have had a few days where the sun has been bright and the skies are a clear blue. And yesterday I spotted redwings near my garden for the first time, all because the sun meant I decided to have my lunch outside. 

There is an important lesson here: to believe. There have probably been redwings near my garden every year, but it was through believing that I managed to spot a pair. I suppose I just hadn't considered the possibility! 

Anyway, back to the redwings. They were in a tree a few gardens down. At first, I wasn't sure what they were and raced upstairs to grab my binoculars before identifying them. In case you didn't know, redwings are a beautiful winter migrant from Scandinavia; so named for the characteristic red smudge under their wing. They have a brown head and body with a creamy breast flecked with black. If you have never seen one, I recommend you get out there and try and spot one because now is the perfect time of year and they are certain to lift your mood!

Oh and before I forget- another live cam I have discovered. It is the birdfeeders/woodland/river cam from Winterwatch. This has the advantage of sound. I have seen blue/great/coal tits, siskins, finches, nuthatches and even a mouse! Salmon can be spotted on their river cam and during the evening badgers can be watched emerging from their setts!

Now, last post I mentioned a poem, and here it is!

Redwing.

A glimpse of a scarlet underwing,

Through evergreen ivy entwining and lush.

Fluttering.

That smudge of red like a child's painting,

Now shown, now hidden, now shown.

Calling.

Sharp, sliding sounds reach my ready ears,

A tune without harmony but that brings joy.

Darkening.

This bird a bringer of joy in the crisp forest,

Heralder of winter, flying in from far frosty shores.

Redwing.

Hope you have enjoyed reading this! Next time I will be talking all a bout the big garden birdwatch and what we can do to help our garden birds this winter. :-D