More from my garden 'Hide'.

I’m continuing to endure the cold in my permanent hide that is in the little ‘wild’ area of my garden. In this current cold spell I have been spending the hours trying to photograph the visiting small birds attracted to the food I have put out. I have a small parabolic heater in the hide that I light to try and combat the cold, this is just basically a burner attached to a small gas canister and the heat is reflected by a metal radar-like dish. It really works well but it can only be used in ventilated areas for obvious reasons. The heat just takes the edge off the cold air which would be very uncomfortable otherwise. A flask of coffee helps and also a text message from Susan telling me the home made Pizzas she had made were ready for picking up - which was even more welcome!!
It may not seem cold while out walking for instance but sitting still for long periods of time does get very cold indeed and once you are that cold there’s no coming back it just gets worse.
The species of birds remains basically the same which is a bit disappointing but that’s the way it is and you have to take what you can get.



The Siskins are just as acrimonious as the Goldfinches.



I have been hoping the male Sparrowhawk will visit but no luck so far, but I know he is around so it’s a matter of waiting.
The canon R5 and RF100-500 lens continue to perform admirably and I am very impressed by this combo – it bodes well for holidays this year.
I am waiting for the next bright day to try again.