February freeze-up

The first half of February was notable for some very cold weather, a mini Beast from the East, here in the west we avoided significant snowfall but had persistent frost. The ornothological highlight was a very terrotorial Fieldfare that took up residence on the lawn and guarded the apple pieces that I put out - they are very striking birds close-up, a mix of chestnut and grey. The bird allowed close photos through the double-glazed glass from 9-13th. Long-tailed Tits also visited the feeders daily during the wintry weather, up to 8 birds being typically hyperactive. A Ruff was seen on the Thames floods near Kempsford on 1st, with the Goldies and Lapwings, and Water Rails were skidding on the ice in the open at Shorncote. A frozen, sunny sunrise here on 10th produced 2 hunting Barn Owls at dawn, and the Marsh Harrier early morning, maybe from its roost? A Smew search during the cold snap was sadly unsuccessful, but Goosander were seen in small numbers in both east and west CWP. Throughout, the Bramblings continued to both entertain, and occasionally frustrate at the Park. I became very familiar with their quiet nasal call notes as I tried to pick them out amongst the larger number of other finches.