Like most places this week, we have had our fair share of snow these past few days. Not only does the snow create a beautiful landscape, but it also makes walking around the reserve very interesting as you can look for footprints and workout what has been out and about. Here are a few pictures I took while walking yesterday.
A wintry vista, looking over the Winterbourne in to Magpie Field where we have sheep grazing at the moment. Since the Winterbourne has risen, this field has been attracting up to 120 Lapwing - although there were not so many about in the snow.
A pair of Brown Hare running side by side through the snow
Badger prints
Roe deer print
This roe deer sat tight when i passed near by - it didn't want to move from its sheltered spot in the wild bird seed mixture!
I later realised there was more than one deer hiding in the vegetation as several heads started to pop up.
And this small shape is a brown hare, reluctant to move from its spot. The fact that the wildlife did not move away from my presence probably indicates that they are really feeling the effects of the cold weather. Even the birds didn't want to fly away. It was a good reminder of how hard this time of year can be for wildlife, and how much birds rely on the extra food we put out for them. This is a particularly lean time of year for them, with most of the autumn fruits already eaten, and no insects about, food is hard to come by. I will be putting some extra treats out in my garden - don't forget to look after your birds too!
Keeley