We have several Blackthorn (sloe) trees / bushes on the wildlife part of our allotments and its been a very good year for sloes. When I was up there this afternoon, the blackthorn bushes were all heaving with blackbirds (and a few thrushes) eating the sloes - I have never seen so many birds in these bushes before. I think lots of these blackbirds must be just arrived - and therefore very hungry - Winter visitors from Scandinavia. I couldn't see if the thrushes were the 'redwing thrushes' as they were too high up but hope we'll have some soon.
You can see part of the Blackthorn area which borders our wildlife area in the picture on the Kitchen Garden Magazine website under 'sample article - digging together' of our field shed, which is part of Steve's article about our winning field.
Jean
