Mud, Mud, Glorious Mud!

What a month! Rain, rain go away!

Muddy paths and wellies has been the norm this January.

Not many walks partaken due to the inclement weather but those that were taken were enjoyed.

Brake Mill Pools has been visited numerous times and on all but my last visit there on Wednesday (29th) there have been Goosanders on the water and lately Tufted Duck numbers have increased.

The fields alongside Brake Lane have held huge numbers of Fieldfares and Redwings recently and a couple of Common Buzzards were a delight to see perched on fence posts.

It has been a joy to see Blackcaps feeding on the fruit that I spike on to apple trees in my garden the last few weeks, a male and female seem to be alternating their visits.

January has passed by quickly which is not a bad thing considering the weather, hopefully February will be a much drier and sunnier month.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Wychbury Hill and Obelisk

 

 

 

I believe this to be Yellow Brain Tremella mesenterica

 

and this to be Turkey Tail Trametes versicolor

 

A 'Grey' Start to 2014.

New Years Day was a washout from start to finish. Birds species seen to start the New Year were all seen in my garden, they being: Dunnock, Blackbird, Magpie, Blue and Great Tit, Robin , Carrion Crow and Woodpigeon.

The 2nd was a bright sunny day so I decided in the afternoon to go and have a look at the Great Grey Shrike that had been spotted on the 20th December (2013) in Hopwood, Worcestershire. Today was the first window I had to go and see the bird and fortunately it has stayed around and appears to be settled in well for the time being. After a short wait of 30 + minutes the bird had been spotted and it looked splendid as it perched and preened in the bright sunlight. Good scope views were enjoyed of the distant but great to see Great Grey Shrike! A super Lifer for the start of the new year!

Record images attached: