A sure sign of winter is a flock of fieldfares in a berry-laden tree or feeding on earthworms and seeds in the fields. The fieldfare is part of the thrush family and is very distinct with a grey crown and neck, a brown back and a reddish wash down its breast. It is a winter migrant to the UK and returns north for summer breeding from March onwards. And they are now on the verge of leaving as spring is knocking on the door with the arrival of curlews in the Dale this last week, lapwings increasing in numbers and the greater spotted woodpecker drumming. Updale Natural History Recorder