A return to wintry conditions.

The weather continues to be cold with frequent heavy snow showers being driven along on a very cold easterly wind.  The ground is covered in a light dusting of snow and the temperature barely rose above freezing.  There was some brighter conditions, however, these were short-lived.

Siskin (male) in my garden 11/03/13

My garden today saw good numbers of Finch species, the highlight being a pair of Siskins. The male bird was in song.  Siskins are mostly winter visitors from Northern Europe and are usually found in Alder, Birch, and Larch trees where they often associate with other small Finches such as Redpoll and Goldfinch. These mixed roaming flocks of Finches may reach three-figure numbers.  Small numbers of Siskins breed in Breckland.
Also seen in the garden today was one Bullfinch (female), Greenfinches, Goldfinch, Chaffinches, House Sparrows, and Blackbirds.

Red Deer at Stow Bedon 11/03/13

STOW BEDON (p.m.)
Short-lived bright conditions interrupted by heavy driving snow was the trend for this visit.
An afternoon walk along the Great Eastern Pingo trail from Crows Farm to Cranberry Rough produced one Bullfinch (male), 1 Common Buzzard, Song Thrush, and Blackbirds.
A small herd of 6 Red Deer were feeding along field edges, and despite being at range, upwind, and being as careful as possible, the Deer were aware of my presence.