...well, certainly pre-first-light. In the days between Xmas and New Year a male was chortling away by 06:45 although sometimes 'late on parade' and silent on the coldest and wettest mornings. Nice to hear some bird noise that isn't raucous Herring Gulls!!
So from LD2 to tier 3, then tier 4 and the inevitable overnight move to LD3 with the situation deteriorating nationwide and personal issues needing me to shield until the spring and the (currently) group 5 classification for Covid vaccination. DrT suggested a possibly earlier appointment due to current drugs and immune system issues but time will tell. Luckily M has had both of her shots.
The last ten weeks, since the brief visit to Pulborough, has seen just hospital visits - another tomorrow - a sole visit to a major supermarket and one local walk.
For the most part life in general, and birding in particular, is being lived vicariously through blogs, vlogs, YouTube channels, podcasts and social media (whilst avoiding COVidiots, conspiracy nutters and Trump and his merry band).
The local walk saw a very close and 'focussed' Grey Heron ignoring the crowds just yards away with phone cameras and so intent on the job in hand that a close Brown Rat was ignored, but surely a potential lunch item. Just a single roosting Little Egret, 30 or so Shoveler and two or three times as many Tufted Ducks - really must make an effort to count them next time. No passerines other than a Dunnock by the path singing stronger than either of the two birds back in spring. Sadly the spring Peregrines, reliable most days, decamped to elsewhere in town and now have the prospect of recently installed, or at least soon to be installed boxes, courtesy of KB/HOS at.
Locally, pleased for MW to have a Yellow-browed Warbler on several dates in his garden this week; one here or round the pond would be very welcome.
