A Quiet Day?

Today has been a quiet day as far as visitors are concerned, with no sign of anyone around.  This is not so as far as wildlife is concerned with the first sight out of the office window this morning being the large Grey Squirrel upside down on one of the peanut feeders in the Field Centre garden.

Looking around the Reserve this morning, everything seemed still and quiet until you took time to watch and listen when it became clear that there was a lot of activity.  Although the lake may look quiet, the Mallards and Moorhens were busy at the far end and it became clear that staking out territory is now an important consideration.  

The lengthening days are now seeing an increase in birdsong and there was a lot more activity on the bird feeders.  More species were in evidence with both Redpolls and Siskins joining the usual species, with Long-tailed Tits also putting in more frequent appearances.  The large Squirrel, who shows signs of being very successful in finding food was chased off the feeders by one considerably smaller.  Meanwhile, a Dunnock was busy mopping up all the seeds spilt onto the ground.  

This afternoon a start has been made on taking out Birch and Spruce near the Wetland and a check has been made on some of the dams and pipes after Willie completed his work last week.  Some of them will require further work as with this example where the water is leaking through below the top of the dam

The weather forecast for tonight and tomorrow suggests that it is likely that there will be snow on the ground when we get in tomorrow morning.  Ian has spent the afternoon getting the chainsaws and polesaw ready for further work with the volunteers on the net rides tomorrow.  It sounds like there will be a need for a bonfire both to clear the brash and to keep people warm.