Firecrests?

[vinnychameleon]

Hi all. Do firecrests only stay for winter in the south west or can they turn up any time. The other thing i was wondering is what kind of habitat are firecrests usually found in. I know you see a fair amount of firecrests deer stalker . So can anyone help me out. Cheers guys .

[Deer Stalker]

Hi VC
Don't know about the rest of the south west but in the New Forest they occur all year round.
Usually I see (but more often hear) them in the larger Douglas firs in the inclosures, but also in Oaks too.

Hope this helps.

[Dan Salter]

Im so jealous ive only ever seen goldcrests...i even have one in the garden but i would love to see a firecrest !

[aeshna5]

They tend to be less restricted to conifers than Goldcrests for breeding, though as Deer Stalker said they do occur in them too. They turn up in small numbers as spring migrants, I saw 2 out of 3 birds that had arrived at Dungeness about a month ago.

As I mentioned in a previous post if you look at Devon Bird Report you'll find the best places for them near you. Local bird reports are a mine of useful information as to where to find birds in your locality. For local sightings try Birdline South-west, but they obviously won't give sites of breeding birds.

[Elizabeth B]

There is some information about firecrests here:

The RSPB: Firecrest

[vinnychameleon]

Thanks guys . I have just noticed they have been recorded in my LNR. Do they often turn up in gardens? I live close to mixed woodland with a lot of scrubland surrounding the house? do you think they could turn up in the garden at some point? thanks guys

[aeshna5]

They can + do turn up in gardens, but because they're not particularly common, you need to be lucky, near a breeding area or migration hotspot. A few years ago I saw one several times during one particular winter in my work garden- a real thrill it was too!