December birds at the Lodge

Hi All

I just glanced out of my office window on this foggy Bedfordshire morning and noticed a grey wagtail patrolling the lawn of the formal gardens here at the Lodge. These smart little birds often winter here and can be seen around the gardens, buildings and ponds. They also venture into gardens across the UK so one to look out for over the next few weeks.

In case anyone is planning on visiting the Lodge this winter, some of the regulars that you should come across include mistle thrush, in full song as well earlier in the week, great spotted woodpeckers, nuthatch, flocks of geenfinch, chaffinch and goldfinch and as well as the occasional sighting of a kestrel. Weasel and stoat have been seen in recent weeks and redwings have joined the blackbirds in plundering the various berries on offer around the site.

If you are very lucky you may stumble across a woodcock on one of the woodland trails or even spy a roosting tawny owl, i haven't yet this winter but its well worth a walk at lunchtime just in case! Speaking of woodcock, has anyone else come across any yet this winter?

IanH