There might not be enough sun for our solar panels to kick in and charge the batteries, but it was certainly enough to pull me out of the office at lunchtime. I really enjoyed taking the opportunity to see the reserve in winter, some of it looks so different without all the ground cover and, despite the low level of the sun, it seems brighter with no leaves in the canopy.
The lack of leaves also allowed me some great views of raven in the canopy of a tree further down slope - I followed the sound thinking 'I know I'll never see it...' but I was wrong!
Also was surprised to see a flock of 15 - 20 blackbirds near the bench at the furthest point of the short trail, where it links the Gloucestershire Way to the Long Trail to return to the car park. I didn't get a great look at all of them, but the ones I did see were all males. Unfortunately there was a lack of other flocks of birds. Natural food really seems to be in short supply this year so hopefully most have headed to gardens to find well stocked feeders. The feeders at Highnam are certainly busy now, with blue, great, marsh and coal tit all seen frequently, along with nuthatch, dunnock and robins. Of course the great spotted woodpecker is a regular visitor to the peanuts too!
Walking back up through the meadows I was really pleased to see a small group of bullfinch crossing the path ahead of me, stunning birds.
If anyone is still looking for inspiration for Christmas decorations come along and see us at the Visitor Centre this weekend. We will have a variety of wreaths available to take away for a small donation, or have a go at making your own wreath, colourful bird feeder or gift tags, great for children from 2 to 92!
Merry Christmas
Hannah