What better way to stay warm than a good fire - in this case burning off the hawthown we have been pollarding in South Scrub:
Thanks to Pete and Cliff:
A skein of 30 small geese overflew - certainly not greylags but couldn't get more on them. The kestrel and common buzzard were also over the southern site, and the river held thousands of wildfowl:
A lone redshank and lapwing were among those on the bank. Barmston Drain is frozen completely:
Giving the fox opportunity to test out its skating skills!
The thin covering of snow had made tracking very easy also showing the otter had been about:
Also by the spraints too:
For some great piccies of the beast itself elsewhere check out the Hull Valley photo page here.
So merry Christmas to all of you who follow the blog and our reserve regulars! And in the current freezing conditions it's always heartening that the wildlife is a step ahead - as far as the foxes and tawny owls are concerned Spring is already here with loads of territorial activity starting...