a few more sightings

saw this fellow again

(Gt. Spotted Woodpecker)

on the almost-dead tree by the hide.

lone Grey Wagtail, near the Shady Place.

some six Redwing in the tall trees,

other side of the Ver,

on opposite bank to The Mere.

Spring?

Spring thinks it has sprung I reckon.
Yesterday two Grey Wagtail were chasing

each other all over the site.

Today I saw only one.

Hope this does not mean none tomorrow!

Also, Snowdrops on the banks of the Ver

and a Wren near the Shady Place.

First snowdrops

Sunny and windy today. Saw first snowdrops near toolshed. Also a marsh marigold near the far end of the bridge. Took photos of wintry teasels and our Green Man sculpture. Returned home covered in burrs, looking as if I had been sleeping in a ditch.

What the wind blew in

Whilst walking around the Reserve and nearby areas to check for wind damage, two Mute swans and a Cormorant flew over the Reserve, all within seconds of each other. One Elder tree has been blown over at the Reserve, and two very large Ash trees and an Elder are down, close to the Nunnery allotments.

a nice surprise

Had spent a good few hours in the hide on Wednesday, -with little hope of anything "special" turning up, as the rain had been constant and the gusty wind seemed to put the birds off landing for a snack.
Suddenly this fellow (Great Spotted Woodpecker) arrived-what a treat!

Recent sightings

Here are some recent photos taken from the bird hide by Keith, a regular WWA photographer. Clockwise from left: Goldfinch, Long-tailed Tit and Great Spotted Woodpecker .

Howard's report for Nov / Dec

Wildlife report
There is not much noticeable at this time of year but the bats were still in evidence in November but are probably hibernating now. The Mallard population seems to be staying at the same level (between 15 -20 birds). A Sparrowhawk is sighted regularly, along with Great Spotted Woodpeckers (who are doing a great deal of damage to one of the old pollarded willow trees). Sheila has seen a Redpoll twice but no Redwings at all this year. Still, it is early days yet. There seem to be quite a lot of cats in the area which, unfortunately will take out the bank voles, etc, but they may also help keep down the rat population, so they are a mixed blessing!

Flora
A single Marsh Marigold flowered on Xmas Eve (or was first noticed then!). This must be a record. Some of the trees are in bud – it seems as if they have only just lost their leaves.

View from 222

The view from my window today includes a bush of Hazel catkins, just north of the Shady Area, which almost glow in the dull drizzly daylight. Is this an early sighting?