How to spot firecrests

Naturenutz · #1 (**permalink**) 13-10-2011, 05:54 PM

Firecrests are often reported around my area , any advice on tracking one down would be appreciated.its hard enough getting good views of goldcrests as they always seem to flit around constantly.Do people normally find them by call or by chance sighting.Any advice gratefully received as its a bird i am yet to catch up with although they are often seen in the forest of dean not too far away and sometimes closer still.

aeshna5 · #2 (**permalink**) 13-10-2011, 06:09 PM

A lot of experienced birders will probably locate them by call though it's certainly possible to see them first. Watch for similar hyperactive behaviour as displayed by Goldcrests with frequent hovering by twigs, etc.

They may well associate with Goldcrests + indeed mixed tit flocks though I've also found them as loners.

Good luck they are stunning birds!

rogpow · #3 (**permalink**) 13-10-2011, 06:21 PM

I've only ever found them by chance. The last time, I was photographing several goldcrests in a tree and it was only when I got home and downloaded the pics that I discovered one of them was in fact a firecrest!

Rog

Deb London · #4 (**permalink**) 13-10-2011, 06:53 PM

I was on a birding walk and overheard the leader say that they were reliably found in a particular park. No point in me trying to remember the name for you. But I thought that was interesting as it implies Firecrest "hotspots".

The only one I've seen was by chance. I think Goldcrest spotting comes with experience and gets easier. Once you can locate and watch flocks of these, I would imagine that increases your chances of a Firecrest.

RoyW · #5 (**permalink**) 13-10-2011, 08:01 PM

Learning the call is the most help - similar to Goldcrest, but with a stronger, harsher quality ('ZIT ZIT ZIT', instead of the 'zee zee zee' of Goldcrest). Goldcrests can sometimes sound harsh, and make you think you might have a Firecrest, but the real call is distinct enough for you to know when you really have found one.
Passage birds (mid Sept-mid Nov, and late Mar-May) can be found anywhere, but wintering Firecrests often tend to be more specific in their habitat choice than Goldcrests, usually being found in areas with lots of evergreen shrubs (especially stands of Holly) - in my area at least.

Naturenutz · #6 (**permalink**) 13-10-2011, 08:25 PM

ill be firecrest hunting with more confidence now

.I dont have a problem finding goldcrests and i do know the call now,but i do find them hard to get good views of.Only on a few accasions have i had very good views.Even found them in some fir trees in a very built up area where i work in Bristol but i heard them first and only then did i get a glimpse..
cheers for all your help n tips.

thunder · #7 (**permalink**) 14-10-2011, 12:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Naturenutz

ill be firecrest hunting with more confidence now

.I dont have a problem finding goldcrests and i do know the call now,but i do find them hard to get good views of.Only on a few accasions have i had very good views.Even found them in some fir trees in a very built up area where i work in Bristol but i heard them first and only then did i get a glimpse..
cheers for all your help n tips.

They do seem to respond to pishing, which may help you get a better view.

henrya