January

The new year heralded a continuation of the raw weather that marked the end of 2008. Fortunately, Willsbridge is in a sheltered valley so even the meager winter solstice sunshine is surprisingly warming, and the bare branches let in plenty of light to the wooded paths enabling photo opportunities such as this bluetit snapped on the 2nd January.



Also, watch out for immigrant species such as redwing which are often accompanied by fieldfare. Redwings look like thrushes but look for the reddish underwing and the prominent white eye stripe. Fieldfares are larger with a slate grey head.A flock of redwings were in local gardens near the reserve on the 7th, and 9th. This one was snapped on the 9th.





In the mill park on the 9th was this tiny bank vole that had made its home in a hole in the wall at the north eastern end of the park. Taking advantage of dropped food left for birds by walkers it kept popping out to grab a seed or other titbit, seemingly oblivious of people passing by.




It's also worth the occasional walk around the open space behind the Long Beach Road car park where finches and other passerines may be seen. Goldfinches, chaffinches are often there with the occasional bullfinch. Although declining in many parts of the UK, house sparrows are thriving there.



Talking of bullfinches, I've seen a pair regularly over the past couple of weeks in the patch of scrub beyond the northeast of the reserve. Usually very shy, this pair for once allowed me to get within about 35 feet.





Snowdrops have appeared in the southwestern end of Catscliff Wood.


On the 28th there was an exciting spot. In the trees around St Anne's churchyard just a few hundred yards from the reserve was a hawfinch. I'd never seen this species before. And surprise, surprise, it was there again on the 29th with a couple of mates. By the 30th a total of nine birds were seen, bettered only once in the region at Yate in 2006 when twelve individuals were seen.



Mike.