Winter berries

On a grey day, the colours of the berries on the various trees and shrubs illuminated the drab green scene around the park. I apologise for the lack of sharpness on some pics (my battery was very low).

Already, the birds and the squirrels are taking an interest in this harvest on the colder mornings. Before long, the 'Scandinorske' thrushes will be arriving in droves (well - flocks) and by Christmas the berries will all be gone.

Hawthorn - the Redwings' favourite.

Cotoneaster - a large leaved variety with berries that are favoured by the many

Ivy - the salvation of many a Blackcap returning in early spring

Yew - already being taken by Blackbird and Mistle Thrush

Pyracantha - an unusual golden berried form of the Firethorn

Then there is Spindle, which the Bullfinch will take, and the hips of the Dog Rose, much favoured by the Greenfinch after a few frosts have softened the pulpy outer. We also have Wayfaring Tree and Guelder Rose, another berried bush loved by the Bullfinch.

One bush that has lost most of its berries already (... and its leaves) is the Elder which helped feed the many hungry migrant birds that have passed through the park this autumn.