Friday 3rd.December 2010

Thankfully , very little more snow fell overnight , so it was just a matter of putting down fresh seed on the ground and replenishing the feeders this morning .
The male Blackcap showed well again whilst we were having breakfast , but didn't show again all day . As Warren suggested last night , this could well be one of the birds that over-wintered in the garden last year .Two Rose Ringed Parakeets , perhaps the ones dozing yesterday , spent time practising their acrobatics , whilst having their breakfast . We needed some essentials from the town , so I donned several layers and wellies , and took my life in my hands on pavements that resembled skating rinks . Once I got to the bus route , things were easier , and even better on the main road to the town , but it meant that I had to return to the skating rink again . I managed to get some milk , bread and vegetables , but fresh food was very scarce in the supermarket . I returned home , back onto the untreated roads and pavements . Living on the edge of the estate is good , usually , except when it is forgotten about by the gritters .
I got out after lunch , walking to the very edge of the estate , and into the open fields beyond . Along the road , another Rowan tree , a couple of hundred metres from the one containing the Waxwing , held the only Winter Thrush that I saw or heard whilst I was out , a Fieldfare . Strange how both species are usually found in flocks , but both of mine were singles . As I walked along the bridleway, I questioned if I had done the right thing , as a cold mist came rolling down the valley . I took a couple of shots , in colour , even though they do look monochrome , but I can assure that it was as cold as it looks . It also meant that I saw or heard very little , but even so , it was good to be out again .
The most unexpected sighting was just after I got home ,
when this watery sun appeared very briefly , to be quickly smothered again by cloud . But , it was a sign of things to come , as a bit later blue skies , the first for best part of a week , heralded the setting sun . But it was quickly obvious that we would pay for those skies , as the temperature nose dived , well before the sun disappeared over the horizon .
The 'single syndrome' continued during this period , when this Song Thrush was found feeding on the Pyracantha berries .
For once , I'm glad that there is no hedgelaying tomorow .