The golden plover have continued to increase on Spring Hill, and now number around 200. As always, they give an amazing display when flying in bright sunshine, seeming to glitter as they change direction. Also on the hill we still have a large flock of linnets, some goldfinches, some yellowhammers and many overwintering skylarks.
Walking through Burnt Wood, we were escorted by a beautiful buzzard that eventually stopped on a tree branch and gave us a stern looking inspection. Seen through binoculars it is easy to see how people in the past have mistaken them for eagles!
December can be a tough time for birds, and if we get any serious snow this month many ground feeding species, such as skylarks will migrate further west until the ground beneath them is green rather than white. Our garden birds do not migrate and will suffer in extreme weather. Keeping the bird table and feeders topped up, as well as providing water will help a significant number get through the toughest days ahead. In our garden the sparrows, dunnocks and tits are regular visitors to the feeders, while our resident robin is still in good voice and may well start pairing up in the next few weeks.
The sighting of the month was a female smew at Town Mill, a diving duck with a serrated bill.
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