Birders are continuing to visit the small village of Birling Carrs in Northumberland to view a small group of Redpolls, which includes a single Coues’s Arctic Redpoll, together with two or more Mealy Redpolls and up to 30 Lesser Redpolls.
Birling Carrs is north of the village of Warkworth on the A1068 and is separated from Warkworth by the River Coquet. There is a car park at Warkworth beach, at the end of the road from the junction immediately north of the bridge, and the village. If you then walk two fields north; along the east edge of the golf course, the Redpolls can be seen at times perched on a fence/some bushes enjoying some seed which has been provided.
Visitors are advised not to enter the golf course or fields and keep to the paths.
Since 2001 the ‘The British Ornithologists’ Union (BOU)’ have classified our Redpolls into three species; Lesser Redpoll, Mealy Redpoll and Arctic Redpoll as a result of scientific studies. Most recently, genomewide analyses however found differences in gene expression but no genetic divergence leading to further discussion on Redpoll Classification.
Whichever the classification, Northumberland is very lucky to have the opportunity to view these three races together and so easily. Fingers crossed they stay around for a little while longer.