Tuesday 22 December 2009

Cold Comfort

We really have to earn our way off our road this week. Layers of ice-snow-ice-snow have persuaded us into a one-way system: we crawl up the lesser incline to exit and gently slide down the steeper one to return home.
I saw a small flock of lapwings flying over this morning - a unusual sight for Euxton. I couldn't help but will them to find some snow-free field to dine in. And a first for my garden - a beautiful cock pheasant trying to scratch beneath the snow. He was searching my lawn for a good 20 minutes. The alders that border our garden are busy with gold and chaffinch; blue, great and coal tits bustle around the feeders until the nuthatch brusquely scatters them. Robin and dunnock are around all day and a song thrush has been arriving around midday. A wren might have taken up residence in a thicket beneath the dormer.
I've not seen a goldcrest in the garden this winter which is a shame. For the past few years one has wintered in / close to out garden. It has been a bad year for them but let's hope....

The goldcrest above was photographed by Phil Kirk of Chorley NATS - thanks.

And another photo of a goldcrest. This one is by Chris Rae also of Chorley NATS. Keep them coming guys.

7 comments:

The Weaver of Grass said...

Yes Carol, we have the wintry weather over here too - we are feeding the birds like mad as they seem to be desperate for food. We are even putting down corn for seven or eight cock pheasants who come at the same time every day.
Here's wishing you and all your family a very happy Christmas.

Anonymous said...

Hi Carol,
the Goldcrest is a lovely little bird, I only got a brief glimpse of one the other day and took a blurry shot unfortunately. I am amazed at how they exist in this weather.

Crafty Green Poet said...

I saw an unexpected flock of lapwings outside Bolton earlier this month.....

I love goldcrests, so beautiful.

Have a happy Christmas and New Year!

Pete Woodruff said...

Briefly and void of labouring the issue Carol....the Goldcrest has suffered a dramatic 'crash' due to the coldest February 'in ages'.

A Very Happy Christmas and Good Wishes for 2010.

Duxbury Ramblers said...

Merry Christmas & best wishes for the coming year from all the Ramblers.

Mistlethrush said...

It amazes me how goldcrest survive the cold too.
I hope the New Year brings a thaw - it's nice at home but I'm ready to put on my boots when the ice treacherous has gone.

Kat Mortensen said...

Over here, we call them warblers or kinglets, I think. A lovely little bird, isn't he?

from the field book

from the field book
An inspiring gift for anyone who enjoys watching nature.