Friday, January 08, 2010

By its cold....

Today the thermometer on the drive read -8.5 degrees at dawn and scarcely rose above the negative all day. There had been no more snow though, so we limped off to work at a snail's pace praying for a time when the ground will be clear and the daffs are in bloom.

Out with Bunts in the dawn twilight had a few birds leaving roosts in the village wood - Buzzard 1, Redpoll 1 heard, Marsh Tit 1 heard.

On my way home from work this afternoon a Woodcock was circling Linton roundabout in the sunshine, flushed by an unseen foe.

Then, back home and out along the coast path with the dog before dusk set in. We didn't see too much. On the shore were 4 Golden Plover, several Redshank and Oystercatchers and singles of Grey Plover and Rock Pipit, both new for the list. 22 Grey Partridges in two coveys and 1 or 2 Woodcock were also of note.

The placid garden Mistle Thrush has reverted to stereotype today now it has a full belly. The bird table is now his property and woebetide anything else who dares approach. A Blackbird made the mistake and was half plucked for his trouble...

On roostwatch, 13 or 14 Wrens (I think one came out and went back in?)but no sign of the Ravens...

OFFH List - 71

( I must have miscounted yesterday)

3 comments:

Earsdon said...

hi stuart do ravens head south in this kind of weather? Only i had very brief glimpse of probable raven over druridge country park today heading south. One of your birds maybe?

Stewart said...

Hello, I have never known migrant Ravens in my time but I know that historically they used to migrate south from the continent. I havent seen any today up here and am a bit concerned ,so your bird might be mine? Send it back! I'll update tomorrow if I have any luck.

S....

oldcrow61 said...

Wow, it's certainly chilly over your way.