Hugh’s News – 23 December 2022

The snow soon turned to ice around my house, making walking very tricky. On the plus side, the freezing temperatures soon brought the birds back to my garden in good numbers. Goldfinches, Tits and Robins devoured the sunflower hearts, so much so that I had to buy more stock today.  Starlings favour the fat balls, and there are more of the squabbling birds than I have had for a long time.  Blackbirds pick up the fallen scraps together with cut apples for dessert.  Sadly no Redwings or Fieldfares as yet, but they are around feeding on berries.

While the weather is milder now, the garden is still busy which helps brighten the grey days.

I have attached another couple of photos from John and Anne Carus from the last field trip to “The Harp” and Denhall Quay.  One shows the snow we endured!  The other is the Song Thrush we saw at Net’s Cafe.

Peter Ham sent in this wonderful image of the Glossy Ibis at BMW in November.  It captures the lovely sheen that the bird can show.

And finally, Bill snapped a sunning Little Owl at Burton Point – this is one of the best photos of this particular bird I have seen.

This should be the last message of the year, so on behalf of the Committee, I thank you for supporting the Club and the meetings.

Wishing you and your families a Merry Christmas and looking forward to seeing you again in the New Year.

Regards,

Hugh