Mistle Thrush

Saw a Mistle Thrush chasing a Wood Pigeon. The pigeon was no threat to the thrush but at this time of year, the Mistle Thrush can become very territorial. They are the earliest of the thrushes to breed, and although it will be two or three months before they have eggs, this pair are clearly keen on establishing their territory even at this early stage in the proceedings. They get their name of course, from their habit of eating Mistletoe. This plant grows in profusion in this area though. for the most part, it is unreachable, often growing at a great height amongst the poplars. This is a common tree as it was used in past years by the fruit growers as a wind break. The thrushes will have no difficulty in reaching the white berries and when they pass the seeds through their digestive system, or, wipe their beaks to get rid of the sticky residue from the berry, they help to propagate the plant on new trees and branches.
These thrushes have not been doing well recently in the UK and so it is pleasing to see that a pair continues to occupy this area and is preparing for another breeding season.