Now it’s warming up again and my first ride since the freeze today, and I spotted the first Lesser Spotted Eagle of the year and got within 5m metres of this buzzard who appeared to be sleeping with his eyes open!

Their sudden appearance is interesting, but given that last night was the first real frost we’ve had for nearly two months I think it’s possible that they have come down form the North during the colder weather….

Winter Cranes

This year birds of prey seen close to roads and town have been rarer, the soil is not frozen, and times are relatively good I guess. However as always there are many buzzards to be seen, and occasionally rough-legged buzzards, distinguishable by their white tail patch (seen from underneath) and their frequent hovering.

Also large flocks of Goosander on the lakes over the last couple of months….and plenty more today

Merlin, Black Woodpecker, Raven, Rook, Carrion Crow, Wryneck, Nuthatch, Wigeon, Goshawk, Grey Partridge, Moor-hen (surprisingly rare in this area), cuckoo, wren, Redstart, Black Redstart, Pied Flycatcher, Long Tailed tit, Red- backed shrike.

Wild Cat.

This winter has so far been completely different to last years below freezing temperatures, thicj sno and frozen lakes and rivers, with hardly any days (or even nights) with below zero temperatures….there has been a lot of rain and wind however!

During late winter and Spring last year I worked out that I would see a white-tailed eagle for every four hours of bike riding, things started well today with a clear and clsoe sighting of two mature adults standing in field together. I’ve frequently seen two eagles soaring in close proximity, but never on the ground together, there appeared to be no prey or carrion in site.