Blackcap in The Garden

 I've waited all this time to finally get an over-wintering warbler in the garden. I sort of knew the previous garden wasn't ideal for warblers so I hoped this one would be better.

Lin told me a few days ago she had seen one on the feeder outside the office window so I've been looking more closely and I finally got it.

An unseasonal Blackcap

I now await the appearance of a Chiff Chaff 😂😂

Roe Deer have been seen almost every day now the days are longer (well, half an hour counts you know!) with a current maximum of six on one day.

It's always nice to come across Roe Deer

A visit to Wassand yesterday and today provided a few nice images. The ice is slowly melting in Decoy but whether this brings any more wild fowl into view is anyone's guess.

Frozen Decoy

Pinkies going north

Male Marsh Harrier

Barnacle Goose fly-past

Sparrowhawk

Snowdrops are appearing now

The cool January continues, which is good because we should have cold winters. They seem to be getting few and far between now as climate change takes its toll.

A lovely misty and cold morning at the Mere

A look through the hedge-shaped window today...

The woodland walk in January

I was watched all the way through Heslop's by a Buzzard yesterday morning. Must have been a slow news day if it had northing better to look at.

Common Buzzard

The set asidde field is really doing a sterling job in providing much needed food for our local birds. The Linnet flock is about 140 strong, with other birds coming and going on a daily basis - figures for this year are Chaffinch about 20, Goldfinch up to 30, Reed Bunting max 8, Greenfinch max 2, Bullfinch max 2. No Yellowhammer or Brambling yet.

Reed Bunting

Linnet

The winter thrushes are still here of course and should be for a while yet. I see Redwings and Fieldfare daily but they are not always photoable (a new word, maybe I'll submit it to the OED for inclusion).

Fieldfare