Happy Xmas from Beacons Birder
23rd December 2012
Another year is almost over, they are rolling by a bit too quickly for my liking but there you go. It's been a diabolical year weather wise with unprecedented rainfall having a devastating effect on the country's wildlife. There will undoubtedly be less birds around to breed next spring after the horrendous weather during the breeding season of 2012. Nests washed away near rivers and ponds and ground nesting birds just drowned by the relentless rain. Nature, however, has a way of recovering and I sincerely hope she can work her magic once again.
Above all there is a human cost and it is dreadful to see people with their homes flooded out and their livelihoods destroyed and some even paying the ultimate price. It is a stark reminder of the power of nature and it illustrates just how fragile we really are when it comes down to it!
My thoughts and prayers go out to the people affected and I sincerely hope things can be put back in order very quickly.
I have started my winter feeding programme and the birds are flocking back to the garden already and within two days the male Sparrowhawk has appeared. Everything has to eat and it's all part of the chain, although it can be brutal sometimes.
Looking back I want to remain positive and I am amazed at the amount of images I managed to record considering the weather. In Spring the Cuckoo numbers were obviously up in this area so there is hope there. Also the Redstarts seemed to be successful in their breeding attempts. Large numbers of wintering thrushes arrived and departing and passage Ring Ouzels stayed very late this year, birds recorded as late as Dec 6th.
I can't end without mentioning the glorious irruption of Waxwings that started in November, even in this area they came in numbers. I love them, I could watch them all day, they are so full of character.
I would like to thank everyone who visits this site and I hope they enjoy what they see and read, long may we continue.
It's just left for me to wish everyone a Happy and Peaceful Christmas and a prosperous, bird filled 2013.
Steve.
Above all there is a human cost and it is dreadful to see people with their homes flooded out and their livelihoods destroyed and some even paying the ultimate price. It is a stark reminder of the power of nature and it illustrates just how fragile we really are when it comes down to it!
My thoughts and prayers go out to the people affected and I sincerely hope things can be put back in order very quickly.
I have started my winter feeding programme and the birds are flocking back to the garden already and within two days the male Sparrowhawk has appeared. Everything has to eat and it's all part of the chain, although it can be brutal sometimes.
Looking back I want to remain positive and I am amazed at the amount of images I managed to record considering the weather. In Spring the Cuckoo numbers were obviously up in this area so there is hope there. Also the Redstarts seemed to be successful in their breeding attempts. Large numbers of wintering thrushes arrived and departing and passage Ring Ouzels stayed very late this year, birds recorded as late as Dec 6th.
I can't end without mentioning the glorious irruption of Waxwings that started in November, even in this area they came in numbers. I love them, I could watch them all day, they are so full of character.
I would like to thank everyone who visits this site and I hope they enjoy what they see and read, long may we continue.
It's just left for me to wish everyone a Happy and Peaceful Christmas and a prosperous, bird filled 2013.
Steve.