2nd to the 8th March
I have used several hours this week to get a good picture of the Hawfinch that has returned to a feeder just outside Voss. Unfortunately I haven’t had much success. However there are plenty of other birds to watch, including a huge flock of Redpoll. I say huge as it has at least 160 birds, and though many may think that 160 is not a lot, it’s the most I've counted here at Voss for many years.
One thing never ceases to amaze me when it comes to Redpoll, and that is the variation of plumages. Most seem to be Common Redpoll and so far I have found what I take to be one Lesser Redpoll amongst the flock. There is also a very light individual with a very white rump. It stands out like a sore thumb when the flock is in flight. Unfortunately I haven’t seen it perched yet so I can’t say for sure if it is an Arctic Redpoll. Otherwise, despite snow fall and cold nights, there are new signs that spring is not far away. Green Woodpecker and Nutcracker are vocally very active and at the local rubbish dump a single Common Starling can be seen feeding.
