For the sake of brevity, most images have been lifted from the archive!
Not a single peep throughout the night on several visits to a -5°C doorstep (which made it the coldest night of the year) but the occasional glimpses of a
The first signs of any kind of birdlife came as late as 06:32 when at least one, but maybe 2,
started knocking it out but maybe not this juvenile. Remembering an addition to the list may include eith a sight or sound record there were a few vocalists to get the show on the road including:-
thankfully there was a reprise from the local
while the 'chacking calls' from the Ash Trees at the stables, which have become a roost, indicated
Apart from the Owl and the Warbler all others were 'seen' subsequently but first on view was a
followed in quick successionby
and
but then followed by something not even thought of let alone expected.........
On the near ice covered surface of the main pond there was but one small break in the freeze occupied by c2 pairs of 'fighting'? 'displaying'?
got us to thinking that these might just be the only Waterfowl of the day.
Bringing up the rearguard, before heading for the ploughed fields to the west, came
a small party of vocal
with a much larger flock of
to close the first chapter of what should be 3 instalments!
