WHO'S the boss of the holly bush? If there's a battlefield in your backyard, at first sight it's an uneven contest.

A mistle thrush - one of the largest garden birds in this country - defends its winter larder against all-corners.

Perched among the branches of a berry-laden holly bush, it sees off any number of other birds daring to try to plunder the brightly-coloured bounty.

But then along comes a mob of fieldfares or redwings - and no matter what guerilla tactics the mistle thrush uses, it cannot compete with the thuggish onslaught.

Soon the pillage is complete and the holly is stripped of its berries.

Redwings and fieldfares begin to arrive in numbers in the North West in October. They usually hang around together - often in big flocks - behaving noisily and making their presence felt among other birds.

Cold weather drives them into gardens, especially larger plots where they can gorge on berries and fruit, and they will also feed from bird tables.

Rowan trees are particular favourites, so also look out for these marauding Scandinavians in your local park or around shopping centres, industrial areas or car parks.

Redwings migrate at night and call to each other to keep the flock together.

So on your way to a bonfire over the past few days, you may have heard the drawn-out, high pitched call which sounds like seeeep.

Fieldfares are the most colourful of the thrushes - a grey head, reddish-brown back, grey rump, black tail, orange-buff breast and off-white belly.

Redwings are the smallest of the thrushes and are easily recognised because of their tawny-red underwings and a prominent pale stripe above the eye.

What's on

Wednesday, November 12, 10.30am to 12.30pm: RSPB Leighton Moss, near Carnforth. Winter warmer - a chance to explore the reedbed, keeping an eye out for the elusive bittern, then enjoy a waming bowl of home-made soup in the tea-room. £5 RSPB members; £7 non-members (includes refreshments).

Thursday, November 13, 8pm: RSPB Ribble Discovery Centre, Lytham St Annes. English Ospreys, the story of this magnificent bird of prey in the Lake District by Bill Kenmir, RSPB Haweswater warden. RSPB members £3; non-members £3.50.