Forest winter magic ......

12 Nov - A detour to the Forest of Dean en route to a study day, and a beautiful sunrise as I walked up to the clearing with only a watchful Fallow Deer for company. After scanning the open areas and the isolated bushes and trees, I saw the Great Grey Shrike perched in the morning sun, seemingly having just emerged form its roost. The Shrike then flew to the top of a nearby tree and proceeded to give very good views on the early morning sun as it scanned the clearing, presumably for potential prey. This bird has returned once again to a traditional site for the winter, and its black, white and grey plumage looked incredibly smart in the clear low winter sunlight. To complete the morning, 5 Crossbills flew over as I walked back to the car and headed off for work.