After such a mild autumn, it was amazing to still see leaves on the trees in early December. The gales soon blew most of these off, before the first frosts of the year finally signalled the arrival of winter in the week before Christmas.
As has been widely reported, 2006 has been the warmest year since records began, and this has had an undoubted effect on wildlife. Even so, I was amazed to be told that five house martins were still flying around the power station at Sizewell on 19 December. They should be in Africa by now!
Earlier in the month, we even had bramble bushes in flower, so I was half expecting to be able to pick blackberries for Christmas.
On 17 December, I helped with a coordinated count of roosting marsh harriers on the Suffolk coast. Not many years ago marsh harriers were just summer visitors in the UK, but as the population has increased, more and more stay for the winter. An incredible 102 were seen going to roost at various sites, including nine at Minsmere and 20 at RSPB North Warren.
Marsh harriers are superb birds to watch, and it's hard to believe that only one pair remained in the UK in 1971, when they nested at Minsmere. With more than 350 pairs now nesting, and the population having spread out of East Anglia, these fantastic birds are becoming a more familiar sight for birdwatchers.
So, after another eventful year, I hope you've had a great Christmas and enjoy a fruitful New Year. Why not visit Minsmere this year as we celebrate the reserve's 60th birthday in 2007? Look out for details of various events to mark this major milestone.