Are you in the Christmas spirit yet – and I don’t mean the Famous Grouse whisky either! Talking of which, why not help the UK’s black grouse by buying some of the special black grouse whisky this year?
I’m really excited this year as it’s our new baby’s first Christmas. It’s just a shame that the weather forecast suggests that we’re in for a dull and dreary couple of days. It always feels more Christmassy if it’s cold and frosty.
Never mind! The birds certainly find it easier to survive when it’s a bit milder. Even so, the feeders outside the visitor centre continue to attract a constant stream of chaffinches, greenfinches, goldfinches, and tits – blue, great, coal and marsh. The odd great spotted woodpecker and regular magpies and grey squirrels ensures that there’s never a dull moment when watching these feeders!
Now that we’re past the shortest day, the days will slowly start to lengthen, and this is the cue for many species to start preparing for spring. The first great spotted woodpeckers have already started drumming – if they pick a really good hollow branch the sounds echoes around the woods. The first thrushes will be singing soon too, and ducks on the Scrape will be beginning their courtship.
Why not visit us over the holiday period? There’s plenty to see. Just remember that Minsmere is closed on Christmas Day and Boxing Day, although you can still view the Scrape and reedbeds from the public footpaths around the perimeter.
Have a fantastic Christmas. And don’t forget t keep your feeders and bird baths topped up over the festive period. I’ll write again early in 2009 – let’s hope it’s as exciting as this year has been.
Merry Christmas and a happy New year from all at RSPB Minsmere.