Mistle thrush

 Mistle thrushes tend to be wary birds, hard to approach closely. I photographed this one a couple of weeks ago at Stanhope in Weardale, managing to get within camera range because it was guarding a holly bush that was still loaded with berries. When they find a food source like this they'll defend it against all other thrushes and this one was reluctant to leave, even though it was clearly uncomfortable with my presence. I took a few pictures then left it to chase away a sneaky blackbird that had tried to plunder a few of the berries while the thrush's back was turned.