Damian and I arrange to meet early doors near to Fir Tree Farm (http://www.firtreeshopandcafe.co.uk/) with a hope of catching the dawn flight of the thousands of geese that I had witnessed a few weeks back. In addition to nearby barn owls and also the hope of discovering a finch roost amongst other things we were hopeful of a good few hours patching .....
The weather forecast looked good and upon arriving a few redwings were "shreeping" over as a kestrel sat atop a telegraph post but in the distance a familiar orange-pink glow loomed.
Whilst trying to work out which direction this squall was headed I noticed a few distant skeins of pink-footed geese beginning to leave their overnight roosts in the continued search for food. Near to 300 geese in total headed toward the mosslands of Rainford and a single fieldfare was heard.
And then just as Damian arrived the heavens opened, with drizzle, then sleet, followed by hail and proper snow ...... maybe you should change your name mate!
We gave it a go much to the amusement of the gathered black-headed gulls on a flooded field. I swear they actually came closer to see these two mad men for a laugh.
After a few more redwing and realising that snow is wetter and colder than rain we called time on our planned exploits and headed home.
And low and behold come 9am the bloody sun came out and shone gloriously all day.
At least I have the luxury of being able to work from home allowing the wintering coal tits to keep me entertained and they busily go about caching sunflower seeds. I look forward to having randomly sprouting sunflowers all over the garden next spring, I apologise now to the neighbours.
And the kick whilst I'm down was the resident sparrowhawk using the thermals generated by this huge swing in temperature to soar over the local gardens in search of prey. Four seasons in one day, I love the UK.
Should I try again tomorrow?
Paul B
The weather forecast looked good and upon arriving a few redwings were "shreeping" over as a kestrel sat atop a telegraph post but in the distance a familiar orange-pink glow loomed.
Whilst trying to work out which direction this squall was headed I noticed a few distant skeins of pink-footed geese beginning to leave their overnight roosts in the continued search for food. Near to 300 geese in total headed toward the mosslands of Rainford and a single fieldfare was heard.
And then just as Damian arrived the heavens opened, with drizzle, then sleet, followed by hail and proper snow ...... maybe you should change your name mate!
We gave it a go much to the amusement of the gathered black-headed gulls on a flooded field. I swear they actually came closer to see these two mad men for a laugh.
After a few more redwing and realising that snow is wetter and colder than rain we called time on our planned exploits and headed home.
And low and behold come 9am the bloody sun came out and shone gloriously all day.
At least I have the luxury of being able to work from home allowing the wintering coal tits to keep me entertained and they busily go about caching sunflower seeds. I look forward to having randomly sprouting sunflowers all over the garden next spring, I apologise now to the neighbours.
And the kick whilst I'm down was the resident sparrowhawk using the thermals generated by this huge swing in temperature to soar over the local gardens in search of prey. Four seasons in one day, I love the UK.
Should I try again tomorrow?
Paul B
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