Thursday 18 March 2010

Pollen and Goldfinches

Had a stroll in the park this afternoon which was memorable for 2 things; pollen and Goldfinches.  As soon as I entered the park I was aware of both for various reasons mainly I couldn't stop sneezing  which was putting me off looking at the finches.  The pollen was from the Yew trees - the male cones shed their pollen early and at this time of year particularly around Normanby clouds of yellow pollen can be seen.  We have a large Yew tree in our garden and the pollen clouds are triggered by the birds landing on it but today we also have a brisk southerly wind which is also dislodging the pollen.

Throughout the winter we have had daily visits to the Niger seed feeders from 5 Goldfinches and occasionally in the park I have seen the odd ones but today there were small flocks of them throughout the whole park probably totaling close to a hundred birds.

The Treecreepers seem to have survived the winter with at least 3 pairs seen and also at least 3 singing Goldcrests have also survived however I have only seen 1 Wren and there is still no sign of any Nuthatches. One of the trees used last year for nesting by the Nuthatches has been removed - it was a magnificent old Beech and it seems very sad that yet another old tree has gone from the park but the Council seem intent on removing anything showing the slightest signs of rot.

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