Well, it did anyway whether we liked it or not - there was me thinking that moving 400 miles south might mean I escaped the white stuff. I'm secretly glad it hasn't, it was such a beautiful morning, it's always great to get out and see what tracks I can find! The sunshine this afternoon seems to have shifted the snow pretty quickly though.
It didn't take me long this morning to decide that I really did need to make sure there was plenty of food at Highnam Woods for the weekend, and when I saw the blue skies I thought I should go and make the most of it. I'm glad I did, a lovely walk around the trail, which although it is getting muddy now is still passable in walking boots (just)! My walk was accompanied by the sounds of nuthatch, long-tailed tit and blue and great tits, I also disturbed a jay which went squawking into the trees.
There were plenty of birds at the feeding station, including at least 4 marsh tit and a coal tit, along with copious blue and great tits. As I approached the hide there was a nuthatch on one of the tables showing off for a photographer, and apparently I'd just missed a couple of great spotted woodpecker too. I did just catch a glimpse of a sparrowhawk as it swooped over the feeders and headed off into the woods with something for it's lunch - amazing!
We also saw a buzzard and a raven in the trees beside the A40, beautiful!
I'm going to be leading a guided walk at Highnam on 27th Dec, would be delighted if you'd join us - have a look at the reserve webpage for events details, and how to book. Or if you would like to be a little more hands-on, why not join us for the work party on Wednesday
Hannah
The two Hawfinches from the previous post have now increased to a flock of at least eight! They are still feeding on the same blackthorn and hawthorn bushes at the start of the entrance track up to Nagshead visitor centre giving our visitors a very warm and exciting welcome to the reserve. As you pass the cycle crossing, pull in on the left and view the bushes to the right of the track from the comfort of your vehicle for the best views. There are still a few Redwings and Blackbirds feeding in the same area too.
Hawfinch - Coccothraustes coccothraustes, RSPB Nagshead (Photo: Lewis Thomson)
Hawfinch - Coccothraustes coccothraustes, RSPB Nagshead (Video: Lewis Thomson)
At least two Hawfinches have been feeding on sloes and hawthorn berries along the entrance track to Nagshead for the past few days. They are such incredible birds and high on many peoples must see list. It has been a real privilege to watch them behaving naturally and even having scraps with Blackbirds and Redwings over the best feeding spots. Hawfinches are usually an elusive and shy species, luckily these birds have chosen to feed on bushes right next to a lay-by so you don't even need to leave your vehicle and get very close views. With the window wound down I could even hear the crack as they opened each sloe stone with those powerful bills! Huge thanks to Arron Roberts, one of our fantastic volunteers who found the birds on Monday and sent us the photographs below.
Hawfinch - Coccothraustes coccothraustes, RSPB Nagshead (Photo: ©Arron Roberts)