Blogger - Communications Manager, Erica Howe
I had to scrape ice off my car windscreen the other morning! Ok, so that’s hardly news I know, but I can’t believe we nearly made it to the end of November without having so much as a light frost. I live in the city so perhaps this isn’t unusual, but it fills me with comfort to think that winter is finally here. I’m a big fan of the warmer seasons don’t get me wrong, but I take a lot of comfort in the seasonal turning of the weather. The arrival of winter is certainly something to celebrate; I love it when my boyfriend comes home from work with chilly red cheeks, when my beloved pink gloves become a staple wardrobe item and when I do get out to watch the winter wildlife spectacles, a hot chocolate afterwards is considered ‘medicinal’.
The wildlife that we get to see during the winter months can be truly exceptional. And enduring the cold bite nipping at your ears makes it even more special. Families of pink-footed geese, hunting barn owls, roosting rooks or majestic swans would certainly brighten up a grey winter’s day for me. And what a delight it is to have such creatures sharing the cold months with us. Birds like waxwings gather around berry-licious trees, while pied wagtails gaggle together sharing the sights and sounds of the action around them.
Another thing that December harnesses is our festive spirit. Friends socialise and families congregate like starlings coming into roost, chirping away in the safety of the reeds for the night (the birds that is, not my relatives!). What is always a season of plenty for us, sees birds and wildlife hurriedly stocking up on food to survive the often brutal weather. Having to eat for survival really puts our indulgences into perspective. Continuing with your good work from Feed The Birds Day and putting some food out for the birds in your garden will be greatly appreciated and quickly gobbled up.
Thankfully, I only have a few presents to buy for a family and friends this year, but thinking of presents that won’t break the bank is never easy. Last year, I bought my family an RSPB gift membership for Christmas. All year they have been out enjoying the colourful wildlife our region has to offer - it certainly beat a pair of socks and a jumper! The money received from an RSPB gift membership goes directly towards conservation work, ensuring that all generations will be able to enjoy a world rich in wildlife.
December is certainly a special time of year, and being able to appreciate the wildlife around you makes it even more so. For more information about RSPB Christmas gift ideas, go to www.rspb.org.uk or visit your local RSPB shop.
As featured in the EDP Saturday 3 December