A sure sign of cooler weather is the arrival of Fieldfares and Redwings.

Thanks to one of our readers who only yesterday advised us that Fieldfares and Redwings were spotted in Harthill on the Sandstone Ridge and were feasting on holly berries.

These birds, members of the Thrush family, can often be seen when the weather is at its coldest. Whilst breeding further north, the generally warmer winters that we experience are their preferred home for the next few months.

Both species can be found eating berries or gorging on windfall apples which have a high water content and are energy-rich with all their simple sugars (always leave some windfall fruit in your garden for the birds).

For the keen birdwatcher, or the pure novice, the Fieldfare is much larger than the common Thrush, whilst the smaller Redwing has a characteristic red patch on its wing.

Our image is of a Fieldfare.