Dunock and Woodpecker

Another cold, dull, misty morning here in south Wilts but I went for a walk anyway down by the river and into the watermeadows where it was needless to say very wet under foot!  A few birds were about but most were tucked up somewhere warm I imagine. 

I saw moorhen and mallards on the river and woodpigeons galore all sitting plumped up in the trees.

There were bluetits flitting from tree making lots of noise, a small flock of greenfinches and a couple of wrens.  Some lovely birdsong made me look up and there in a hawthorn tree just in front of me was this dear little dunock just singing its heart out.

A dog-walker disturbed it but movement in the tree above me drew my attention and I was delighted to see a great spotted woodpecker.  It worked its way round the branch pecking at the bark.  You can see how much is missing in the photo.  I had no idea that they did this but I presume it was looking for insects?

I then wandered back home for a hot drink and watched the birds in the garden for a bit.  A cold but pleasant start to Sunday.

SB