Winter arrives at Feckenham

Now that winter has really set in, the reserve still looks amazing. These pics are of from when the hoar frost was at its best - or worst whichever you consider it to be ! Anyhow, it made for a spectacular landscape with the sun and blue sky. During the morning the small amount of warmth in the sun melted it away and the rich browns and golds of the trees and reeds provided a complete contrast.

We had large flock of mallard, around 50 or so, on the only small patch of open water, all making plenty of noise. No photograph as they were behind the second island and I was not prepared to go round to the far end of the pool and risk them leaving. Unfortunately there was nothing more interesting than them on the water but there were good numbers of fieldfare, redwing, siskin and some redpoll. I also put up 5 common snipe from a wet patch in Kernocks Middle Close.

No sign of our resident kingfisher for a while so I hope that it has not been a casualty of the hard weather conditions. It could still fish at the main pool and so hopefully if the cold spell relents we will see him back.

Our hardy Galloways are still munching away and now making short work of the piles of hay left from summer mowing.

Merry Christmas to you all and here's looking forward to Spring!

Paul, Feckenham Wylde Moor