Firecrest - where do you see 'em? (1 Viewer)

[the bird]

Not really interested in where to find them at this time of year...... with everything moving around at the moment!!!

But is there any places in the UK where Firecrest is a 'definate' and what time of year is best to see them??

Only asking cos I ain't seen one of these beautiful birds for a many a moon - at Pugneys near Leeds - I think it was about 1986.

Cheers to one and all,


John.

 

[the bird]

you're all been very secretive!!!!!


surely someone must know where to find these lovely little creatures. I mean don't get me wrong I love Goldcrests but they do get a tad boring when I think back to the day I saw my one and only Firecrest!!!


John

 

[Gerry Hooper]

I know what you mean John, they're a real firework of a bird.
Best thing to do is pop down to Lands End area,certain to see one then.
Probably easier to go to your nearest Headland after onshore winds and check the bushes.
Good luck

 

[400mark]

Not 100% definate but for the last few winters there has been 1 or 2 seen @ Lynford Arboretum in the Brecks, you also have a good chance of seeing Hawfinch & possibly Crossbill here as well.

 

[Iceberg slim]

i would say the only sure place you will see them is the Scilly isles during october,i have never failed yet

 

[the bird]

aren't they supposed to be a breeding bird in the UK???

 

[Darrell Clegg]

aren't they supposed to be a breeding bird in the UK???

In very small numbers, but it is best if we don't disclose sites.

Firecrest is one of those birds which you know are around but I don't think there is anywhere you can guarantee to see one in a day. Even on Scilly there have been days when I haven't seen one. If you have a few days at somewhere such as Spurn in late Sept/Oct then I think your chances of seeing one are very high but never 100%

I can guarantee that if you do a lot of birding in the right places at the right time you will see one - sooner or later.

Darrell

 

[the bird]

In very small numbers, but it is best if we don't disclose sites.

Darrell

fair game my friend

 

[Eagle]

There's been at least one at Titchwell during October, but not everyone has seen it....

I was very lucky!! What a fiesty bird...brill...flyweight champion of the birding world!!

 

[James Lowther]

the weymouth/portland area is good during both passage periods and winter also, but i would estimate that i average less than 10 sightings a year even so, so it's nowhere near 100% guaranteed. Agree with what Darrell said in his last paragraph however. Get to the right places enough and you will see one.

 

[Peter N]

There are a lot of sites in the New forest to see firecrests. mainly near bolderwood

 

[Allen S. Moore]

Firecrests

I know that it is not UK, although easily accessible from there, but I often see a firecrest or two in Catalunya, NE Spain. I saw one near Parc Guell in Barcelona two Saturdays ago. They are fine little birds, though, and I understand why you are keen to find them!

 

[jforgham]

Hi Check out www.dungenessbirdobs.org.uk and click through October and September recent sightings. Was there last year and had 34 in a morning.
Hope you find some. Suggest put this website in your favs and when down this way, well worth a couple of days, staying at the bird obs for £4.00 per night.
Jono

 

[jforgham]

Hi Again,
Just come across a photo from last year's firecrestaganza
http://www.birdforum.net/pp_gallery/showphoto.php/photo/68648/sort/1/size/medium/cat/500/page/1
Jono

 

[rb_stern]

This isn't UK either, but recently I was in Umbria, Italy, for a week. It poured with rain the whole time, and the only birds where we were, were Jackdaws and Collared Doves. With 1 exception ...... while waiting for my wife under an umbrella outside the cathedral in Todi, there were a few trees, and hopping about in one was .. A Firecrest. A beautiful , forlorn bird, and a lifer.

 

[Ruby]

Hi Check out www.dungenessbirdobs.org.uk and click through October and September recent sightings. Was there last year and had 34 in a morning.
Hope you find some. Suggest put this website in your favs and when down this way, well worth a couple of days, staying at the bird obs for £4.00 per night.
Jono

I think that a small number of birds actually over-winter in the Dungeness area as well - may be worth checking out.....


Ruby

 

[Andy Wraithmell]

Not really interested in where to find them at this time of year...... with everything moving around at the moment!!!

But is there any places in the UK where Firecrest is a 'definate' and what time of year is best to see them??

Only asking cos I ain't seen one of these beautiful birds for a many a moon - at Pugneys near Leeds - I think it was about 1986.

Cheers to one and all,


John.

Dungeness is one of the best places in the country to see this gorgeous creature throughout the year. Ive seen 30 on a good day and ringed several in a day. Late March/early April or October/November is the best time to see them. Spring is best though as you've a good chance of connecting with STTreecreeper as well. South east winds with rain will bring in quite a few crests.

www.dungenessbirdobs.org.uk

check out the website there are some nice firecrest pics on it.

 

[cassowary]

landguard suffolk 50/50 shot Iv'e seen up to 10 in the bushes here (beware lots of goldcrests here too)

 

[Tim Hall]

There normally are several pairs nesting the Bolderwood/ Jubilee Drive area of the New Forest (near Brockenhurst), but I didn't even hear any here this June, though they have been relatively easy to find in recent years.

 

[stevo]

Rather than revealing potential breeding sites,it would be be in the birds best interests to give out wintering areas.At the moment birds can be seen at Durlston country park near Swanage in Dorset another good bet also in Dorset is Winspit valley & possibly Portland bird observatory.

Steve.