Snow brings Turdidae influx to central Southsea

Turdus pilaris

Turdus pilaris

Turdus pilaris

Turdus iliacus

Turdus iliacus

Turdus philomelos

Day 3 of snow in Southsea, Hampshire and the thrush population is continuing to be boosted by an influx of birds including fieldfare Turdus pilaris and redwing Turdus iliacus.

Blackbird Turdus merula is a scarce visitor at the best of times in this urban garden although last winter's count of five Scandinavian (probably) migrants was a personal record; albeit lasting only as long as the unharvested grapes and holly berries. This latest cold snap has seen four thrush species in the garden in the passage of one afternoon, with a single songthrush Turdus philomelos completing the quartet. A passing robin Erithacus rubecula adding extra value.

Fieldfare photographs courtesy Alison Hogan