Thursday 24th.December 2009

Another very grey day , and although the snow is thawing , it still felt very cool , so the morning was spent doing maintenance on my hedgelaying tools , and keeping a watch on the Cotoneaster bush next door , which has been attracting more Winter Thrushes by the day , and they are starting to eat the topmost berries , probably the ripest . The call of Fieldfare had me reaching for the camera , but the only chance I got of a shot of them , was when they both had their backs to the lens . They had probably just fed , and perched in the Hazel above the berries , before flying off again . Talking of pairs , I finally managed to get a shot of the two Blackcaps in the same frame . I had just one opportunity , before a couple of Chaffinches flew in and the pair scattered . The male showed well , the female bottom , just left of centre , was more covered by the Callicarpa berries . Meanwhile , back at the Cotoneaster bush , proof that the top berries were ripe enough . I tried to get closer , but the only bird that came whilst I was down the garden , was this female Blackbird .
After lunch , with the light no better , I went for a walk through what used to be the local farm , and back along the bottom lane . Missing during my last couple of walks , were the resident Rooks , but now , with the thaw , they have returned to the usual horse paddocks . Along the bottom lane , I found several Redwings , feeding mainly on Ivy berries , much to the annoyance of the local Blackbirds . Just managed a quick shot of one as it landed for a split second on the adjacent Hazel . In the grounds of what was the farmhouse , was one of probably 12/15 Rose Ringed Parakeets that I found on my walk , and they were apart from the 4/5 that have been raiding the feeders in the garden over the last few days .
Walking on the thawing snow/ice , I shall be glad when it's all gone , as it is downright dangerous in it's present condition .
And finally , I would like to wish all Bloggers and readers a very Happy Christmas , and all the very best for 2010 .