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Birds and Habitats in the SBSG area.
Photographs and Information.

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Mistle Thrush

Mistle Thrush at Redmires, autumn 32001
Photograph Copyright © Richard D Hill

Although it is by no means one of the most abundant species, the Mistle Thrush is one of the most widespread species of the Sheffield area. The "Parks Survey" of 1995-96 indicated a slight increase since the previous survey in 1975-76. It is absent only from the highest and most barren parts of the area. The breeding density is not high, but tends to be at its' highest on the moorland fringe at places such as Midhope and Redmires. Not surprisingly therefore, the largest post-breeding flocks tend to occur at similar localities: Midhope, Ramsley, Redmires, with up to a hundred birds not unusual in a good year.

The lower photograph is an interesting one. Both of these photographs were taken by Richard Hill at Redmires in November 2001, and he was [and still is] convinced that the bird in flight is the same one as the perched bird [above]. Yet the undertail of the flying bird looks distinctly dark, implying that this bird could in fact be a Fieldfare. However, take a look at the rest of the underside and there is a dark shadow along the full length of the bird. So is this just a trick of the light? It just goes to show that appearances can be deceptive and that identification of two straightforward species isn't always that easy. What do you think ... Mistle or Fieldfare?

Mistle Thrush at Redmires, autumn 32001
Photograph Copyright © Richard D Hill

The Mistle Thrush in the bottom two photographs [below] is sitting in a more or less typical nest built in the fork of a tree, a Horse Chestnut in this case. The nest is built of an outer layer of grass and mosses, plus an interesting selection of man-made materials. Inside this will be a layer of mud which in turn will be lined with a thicker layer of softer finer grass. These photographs were taken by Simon Bailey in March 2002, the nest being outside his bedroom window.

A mistle Thrush on the nest, Sheffield, March 2002 - Simon Bailey
Photograph Copyright © Simon Bailey

More information on Mistle Thrushes.

Last updated 16th July 2003

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