Winter Locals

We’d hardly stepped out of our back gate when we saw these three roe deer wandering down the lane towards possible oncoming traffic. So we retreated back to our garden and hoped they would come back up the lane and into safer heath and woodland. Thankfully they did just that. We’re so lucky to have such beautiful wild creatures living so close to us, although they do like chomping flowers in people’s gardens.

Bullfinches brighten up any winter walk, especially the males with their bright pink plumage contrasting with grey and black.

I heard this male woodpecker drumming loudly into the bark of this partly hollowed out tree. I love their patterned black and white backs and its vibrant red patches.

If there’s nothing much else to see on a winter’s walk the heron usually doesn’t disappoint. Apparently they are one of the earliest birds to pair up and nest, often in January. This beauty was sitting up in the branches of a tree.

Robins too will never miss a photo opportunity. When other birds seem to be hiding away the robin will hop close to humans and you hear them singing to declare their territory.

I always keep a special eye out for kingfishers and owls, my favourite birds. I’ve not seen any so far, but this wee grey squirrel appeared as if to say, “Will I do? Photograph me instead.”