I had to get out...

I went down to Mum's the other day and her Redwings were still about. Not only that we were lucky enough to see a Fieldfare in the tree just over her fence at the bottom of the garden. I didn't leave it very late before coming home as it had started snowing again. Her village is almost impassable. Just as I got into the car this Redwing landed on the berry-laden tree at the front of the garden. It was determined to hide though..

I awoke this morning to a further covering of snow!! Looking out into the garden, this was the view:

In the apple tree, the Rose-ringed Parakeets looked a tadge dejected..

"Coooeee", "Could you turn off the snow please?"

I couldn't stand being indoors any longer despite the snow falling overnight and continuing into the morning so I headed off for Painshill. It was open and the lady on reception advised that out of the "normal" 300+ visitors expected there had been only 11 and 2 dogs!!

The entrance to the park, was fairly bleak..

As I crossed over the bridge heading for the visitor's centre and entrance I glanced down at the cold looking river but I was seranaded by the sound of twittering Goldfinches!

A slight diversion to the visitor centre as the steps were covered in snow!

I looked back as I was entering and saw a Fieldfare over in the distance

The beginning of the park and the light was already fading.

So I headed off through the woods to the lake.

Several pheasants around. This area was now cordoned off as it led to the frozen and snow covered lake. I could see why - unless (as I do) you know where the lake ends and the paths starts you could be in trouble!

Pheasants abounded..

I ventured down (don't tell anyone though) and this was the sight that greeted me.

Walking further through the park and up the hill..

where I could look down into the lake. You could be forgiven for not knowing that this is the lake with it's narrow strip of island. On the immediate descending bank is the old vine - looking a little sorry for itself at the moment.

I love this bit of the park with its wooded area. Now I could hear a Woodpecker drumming (a bit early in the year?) whilst a Nuthatch called. Several Redwings scurried through undergrowth in company with Blackbirds, a Fieldfare and a Songthrush. Blue and Great Tits darted about in the tops of the trees overhead. Several crows cackled in the nearby field and Robins and a Wren darted about.

Down by the lake, the birds were staying close to the only unfrozen part of the water

It was the Mallards who, as often, provided some colour to the day..

Oooops - a bit slippy here..

A Canada Goose flew overhead..

and approached the lake to land..

More of a crash landing..

A Mallard then flew over

I wander back through the woods again listening to all the birds. Apart from the birds and a squirrel, I was completely alone. It was wonderful just to stand look and.... listen.

Light's really fading now so, time for home and a cuppa ;)

A tale of three winter days....

Saturday, 9 January.
Before heading out this morning, I was watching a few Long-tailed Tits. They were coming down to the ground feeder from the acer not from from the double-glazed window. It was bitterly cold with a fierce easterly wind and this little fellow(ess) didn't seem to be appreciating the cold and snow any more than I!!

I had a quick trip over to the Barnes again. Very very little about as there wasn't much water that wasn't ice! Loads of Redwings and a few Redpolls again. At one point a Woodcock flew over our heads and later on in the morning, there was one near the bird feeding area; skulking around at the back and hard to see, but it showed it head and eye quite well at one point.

A Chiff Chaff dashing around through the alders and I was very lucky to get this shot.

An Egyptian Goose looked particularly fed up just standing around contemplating nature!

Overhead and chased by a couple of crows was this (I think) Sparrowhawk. I really wanted it to be a Peregrine so if anyone can advise I would be grateful....

EDIT: Having had a quick lesson in bird ID from a friend, I now believe it's a Peregrine Falcon. BUT after further thought and consultation I'm more inclined to a Kestrel!!

The most photogenic subject of today's outing was this rather obliging and tame Robin :D



On Thursday 7th, I headed off in the snow for Bushy Park. It was like a school holiday and many children building snowmen etc. It made for some interesting scenes, but setting the exposure etc. wasn't easy..

And then into the Woodland Gardens.

I was just changing my lens (!!) from landscape to the telephoto lens as I'd seen a wren at relatively close quarters. The wren suddenly departed and out of the corner of my eye I saw a green flash... and this Green Woodpecker (female I think - can't see a red moustache) settled on a nearby tree..

As I turned around I saw this young Fallow Buck - I don't know who was more surprised. He was in the Woodland Gardens which are fenced off to prevent deer entering - this one must have found a hole somewhere in the fence.

Sunday 3 January
Difficult to believe that only four days before the snow (and six days ago from today), I was in Bushy Park with blue skies and sunshine.

Pleased to see that the Mandarin Ducks are back; counted five males and four females which is the same for that spot as last year.

"Oooh, what can I see over there?"

So now? I want all the snow to go away please and life to return to normal. I can cope with the cold but sliding around on ice and compacted snow is not my idea of fun. And the birds definitely don't like it; from my garden observations late this afternoon, I suspect there may be a couple of birds fewer by the morning :(