Quantock Hills Blog
Gold winners
- Andy finds gold in the Hills.
Posted by Andy Harris on 01 November 2011
When the autumn afternoons turn dimpsy, treasure arrives in the Quantocks. Does anyone know the collective noun for a flock of goldfinches?
Seeing a Great Grey Shrike on the hills is most definitely a highlight for anyone keen on bird watching such as myself. However some of our more common species can bring a sense of joy when on the hills especially when seen in large numbers.
Recently favourable winds have started to bring in many autumn migrants and I’ve observed starlings flying over to join the large groups on the Levels. As the afternoons become dimpsy you can watch flocks of redwings and fieldfares parachute down into the heather.
Cothelstone Hill is a favourite location to see many of our hill top species gathering such as linnet, pipits and goldfinches. Just the other morning when doing some of my checks on the hill there was a tremendous commotion coming from the top of one of the large sycamore trees. Viewing through my binoculars I could see a mass of goldfinches which took flight circling around and coming down to land amongst a scattering of hawthorns. This went on for some time and wherever you were on the hill the sound of chattering finches was truly amazing.
When large numbers of animals come together they often have a name such as a herd of deer, a murder of crows, a gaggle of geese (when on the ground) or a skein of geese (when in flight) but anyone know what a flock of goldfinches are called?
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Quantock Hills Visitor Guide
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Information
Useful Contacts
Quantock AONB Service
Tel: 01823 451 884
Somerset Wildlife Trust
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www.somersetwildlife.org
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www.nationaltrust.org
Forestry Commission
Tel: 01278 732 319
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