Winter Wonderland........

2 Feb - A taste of proper winter........ a day of heavy snowfall on 31 Jan, with 5-6” hitting the CWP area. The following couple of days gave sunshine and sparkling lying snow, especially on 2 Feb. BirdLife, and wildlife in general, obviously has a harder time in snow and freezing weather so becomes more visible. Blakehill gave views of not only late afternoon Short-eared Owl, but also a male Merlin presumably arriving to roost. The Jack Snipe at Slimbridge gave exceptional views in the open as its favoured island was largely frozen, bobbing in full sunshine with its own reflection! My best views ever of this species. The breeding-plumaged ducks and Bewick’s Swans were also resplendent in the winter light. The Barn Owl at Shorncote was also out in good sunlight as I expected, and looked superb as it quartered the field, the underparts lit by reflected light from the snow. It caught at least 2 voles in a short time. Interestingly, it is likely the same individual as I’ve seen there for a couple of years as it is carrying a metal ring. A beautiful couple of winter days, but not long-lasting enough to cause significant mortality amongst the small birds, judging from numbers.