Winter Diary 2024 / 25
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As I write in early late January, I can report that we have experienced just about every kind of weather that nature could throw at us. Here in Lincolnshire, we experienced a cold spell as early as last November with even some snow. Some mild but wet weather followed but then in January a more prolonged cold spell with more snow and enough rain to cause widespread flooding.
![]() Peregrine Falcon |
In early January for a few days temperatures barely rose above freezing and at the RSPB' Frampton Marsh reserve, ice prevailed and the remaining wildfowl and waders crowded together in the few areas of open water. This made life easier for the Peregrine Falcons which stooped on the ducks as they tried to rise from the ice. I was lucky enough to witness a kill and watch as the larger female peregrine enjoyed a meal of duck on the ice, whilst its smaller partner waited for his invitation to join the meal.
![]() Fieldfare |
The Fieldfares, redwings and continental blackbirds that adorned our berry laden hedges and feasted on apples that we put out for them have all moved off now; no doubt seeking milder climes. Perhaps they will return before the winter is out.
Whilst we were complaining about temperatures hovering around freezing, parts of Scotland recorded temperatures well into minus double figures and sufficient snow to close many roads. So, we were lucky enough to enjoy a break in Kingussie in the Cairngorms during a very mild spell following that very cold period and just before a series of named storms caused widespread disruption.
We explored part of the RSPB's Insh Marshes nature reserve but concluded that the severe weather of the preceding week had driven away most of the wildfowl and waders. However, we did find a nice flock of Whooper Swans and lots of Greylag Geese which are more likely to be genuine wild birds, rather than the feral Greylags that we are familiar with in England. Mixed flocks of finches included both redpolls and siskins feeding on alder cones. Ravens croaked, buzzards soared but the highlight was a nice "ringtail" hen harrier.
The following morning, together with other members of The Lincolnshire Bird Club, we walked through part of the ancient Caledonian pine forest down to the shores of Loch Morlich. Here Goldeneye and Goosander ducks were spotted and in addition to the aforementioned finches, we saw two flocks of crossbills with very different calls. This leads me to believe that one group was probably common crossbills and the other either Scottish Crossbills or Parrot Crossbills. Unfortunately, both groups were in flight, so we did not get good enough views to ascertain their identity.
![]() Raven |
Afterwards our coach climbed up to the bottom of the funicular railway which used to ascend Cairngorm. Unfortunately, the railway is no longer in use and is unlikely to be repaired given that climate change has killed off the skiing industry. This might be the reason why the few of us who ascended the mountain on foot failed to find any Ptarmigan, or indeed any other birds other than a few Ravens.
![]() Snow Bunting |
However, when we descended to the car park, those who had elected to have lunch and hot chocolate in preference to the arduous climb, found a small flock of Snow Buntings which they dutifully staked out for us "mountaineers".
![]() Snow Bunting |
We see Snow Buntings on the east coast of England during the winter, but the population that inhabit the Cairngorm Mountain range appear to be sedentary and one local bird guide postulated that they might even be a separate sub-species.
![]() Dipper |
Back in Kingussie the resident Dippers clearly anticipate the arrival of spring and even before it was properly light, they were singing from rocks protruding from the fast flowing stream. A joy to see and hear.
![]() Smew |
Last weekend I visited Eyebrook Reservoir which lies across the border of Leicestershire and Rutland. It always attracts good numbers of wildfowl, but my quarry was my all time favourite duck; the beautiful Smew. This is the smallest member of the sawbill family to visit Britain and the most rare. It is a fish eating duck and the sawbill refers to its serrated bill. I saw four drakes at Eyebrook and surprisingly no females or redheads as they are called. The drakes are very beautiful and are sometimes nick-named white nuns!
As I write, despite feeling cold, spring is surely not far away. Snowdrops and primroses are both in flower and soon there will be a succession of spring flowers and hopefully some butterflies and bees to enjoy their nectar.
Ian Misselbrook
January 2025
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