We are moving into winter now and the wintering migrants have arrived. The Woodcock moon has come and gone last weekend. Bad weather in continental Europe could result in an influx of birds but basically that's it for now. There's a run of mild and fairly damp weather - good for most birds although not for Barn or Short-eared Owls that rely on dry feathers and being able to hear prey but otherwise the mildness will help them survive. One feature of the local conditions is the lack of berries on trees. I do not think that this is nationwide but there's a shortage in town. Fortunately I collected some form last's year's bumper crop. These have been appreciated by our local Blackbirds as you can see. |