First Frog!

It was less cold this morning and a frog decided to show itself on the car park.  It was some distance away from water, but possibly close to its winter hibnernation site.

Walking through the Scrapes there were no signs of frogs in the ponds.  We usually start to listen for them calling around the 23rd February.  They may well be a little late this year as the night temperatures are set to be low for the next ten days.

The back garden was very busy with Great, Blue and Coal Tits.  Chaffinches, Greenfinches and Blackbirds were also feeding.  Bullfinches were enjoying the food in the hopper, but one was seen eating the berries off the Guelder Rose shrub.  This is most unusual as not many animals eat these berries and so they can be seen on the trees well into the spring.

During the morning it became less warm and a very strong wind blew through the reserve.  Mallard, back on the lake after the ice has melted, were almost lost as the waves blew down the lake.