To Tescos and back 07.01.10

A morning walk in good snow to the shops and back gave an opportunity to do a little cold weather birding. Nothing unusual was seen, but birds not seen were of interest. No sign of the redwing and fieldfare that have been prevalent for 6 weeks or so in large numbers (100+) Also, more worryingly, no long tailed tits. These tiny birds can be hit hard in cold weather and this prolonged spell may well have decreased the population markedly. Presumably the winter thrushes have moved south west in order to find better feeding grounds. I shall certainly keep an eye and ear open for local long tailed tit sightings. Green and great spotted woodpecker were seen, magpies, goldfinches and yellowhammers appeared to be everywhere.

I have received a report of a lesser spotted woodpecker visiting a village garden and hopefully shall get the opportunity to stake it out in the next few days.

Photos attached show a "Christmassy robin" (next year's Christmas card?), a female kestrel and views from around Brick Kiln Hill and Millfield Lane. The first view shows the village pub and Chapel Lane from the hill opposite.