Welcome to Winter! It has certainly arrived in force over the last month or so, announcing itself through turning gardens to puddles, pulling up trees via storms, and battering us with gale force winds every other day! At least, that’s what it feels like. Our garden certainly is a mudbath, and I or my Dad shall have to brave it with some sturdy Wellington boots, because sooner rather than later, the feeders are going to empty.
It hasn’t been overly busy over the festive period, but when they have turned up, they have certainly come in force! The other day, I counted nine Blue Tits squabbling for space on the sunflower heart feeder. But then our regular Great Spotted Woodpecker came in and sent them off in a flurry. By the time he was finished, half the food had gone! And all this between 6:00 and 6:10 in the morning!
Bradley Ponds was quiet when we last checked, but to be fair, that was before Christmas. A glossy young Magpie gave us excellent views in the blustery field, its feathers slightly more untidy by the time it left the long grass! A Buzzard soared overhead, seemingly unaware of the ominous sheet of grey framing it. There was little to none on the lake, likely all sheltering from the weather.
Hopefully, 2024 brings many birding highs and lows. Lifers, little brown jobs and the ones that get away. Winter is always my favourite birding season, so my aim is to get out as much as possible between January and March, looking for anything and everything.
I hope everybody had a great Christmas, and wishing you all a Happy New Year!
The Bovey Birder 