ID tips & tricks

PLANTATIONS ARE SPECIES POOR

In general, more or less natural woodland holds better diversity of wildlife than plantations. This is particularly the case with conifer plantations, which are often very densely packed, and have little understorey. So, if you choose to go birding in this habitat, don’t expect a great diversity. These plantations are dominated by Chaffinches (right), Coal Tits and perhaps Goldcrests. Edges and glades provide a slightly better range of species. That is not to say that conifers per se are ‘bad’ for birds. Certain species particularly like them, and the Caledonian pine forest of Scotland is just about the only place where you will encounter Capercaillie, Crested Tit and Scottish Crossbill.