Firecrest at Egloshayle, Wadebridge. 23rd November 2020

 

I popped down the road from our house to see if I could spot a Yellow-browed Warbler that was reported to be skulking around the hedgerows but failed to spot it.

So I wandered back through the cemetery which in the old section is very unkempt and an ideal place for birds.

There are lots of ancient Yew trees and several other mature species along with plenty of ivy, holly & brambles. All species that are often attractive to wildlife, birds in particular.

This place hosted up to 9 Hawfinches two winters ago and I'm always hopeful of spotting one again in the trees.

Well, I got lucky and whilst searching the Yew's I spotted a cracking little Firecrest flitting around searching for insects.

Firecrests are a passage migrant and winter visitor to Cornwall although rumours abound that they may now be a breeding bird in the County but to date no positive record exists.

Here are a few more pics of this, the smallest British bird, a characteristic it shares with  it's close relative the Goldcrest.