Goldcrest

[IanF]

I mentioned it in another thread but yesterday was the first time I'd seen a Goldcrest at Cowpen Bewley Woodland Wildlife Park in Billingham.
Speaking to the warden today, none have ever been previously reported there so I guess it is a rarity.

The site also has an excellent feeding station, amongst the best in the north-east, unless someone knows different. It is perfect for birders of all levels to get within a few feet of 15-20 different woodland species throughout the year. The nearby pond also attracts numerous ducks and wildfowl.

All in all it's an excellent site.

[jayhunter]

Thanks for the tip Ian, next time I get up the N.E. I will try to get a visit in. I have been trying to see a Goldcrest for several years now. My last trip up the N.E. was two years ago for my daughter's graduation at Sunderland. She took me out to some nice sites, she was reading conservation topics, so had plenty of up to date gen.

[IanF]

I've now seen the Goldcrest on three visits in two different locations on the site, so it looks to be settled here for the moment.

Feel free to contact me if you do pop up. I can at least let you know what is about, if not get away from work to show you around. There are several small sites in the area worth a visit.

[Andrew]

I thought Goldcrests were common, I see many down here, especially along the local canal and once saw about six in a flock. Glad you guys could see them they are beuatiful birds superseded only by the Firecrest.

[paula]

I too see a few Goldcrests on my little patch. They never come to the feeders but hunt through the hedgerows for insects. Very difficult to photograph. (For me anyhow!)