Frosty

The weather was very local today.  Some bird ringers travelled through light mist and sunshine whilst others braved fog and freezing temperatures.  Foxglove started frosty but soon warmed a little.  Bramble leaves close to the ground were covered in frost.

Moss on the logs and stones was also caught.

Although there does not seem to be much stirring, under the right light conditions the odd spider web can be caught.  I wonder where the spider is and what it eats?

It was cold overnight so it was a little surprising that there were four Early Moths on the walls of the Field Centre.  It is not the best background for phtotgraphs but we did not want to disturb the moths.  The larvae feed on Blackthorn and Hawthorn, of which there is plenty on the reserve.  

The lake was still and the reflections almost perfect.  Hope this is the right way up!

It was a late start for the bird ringers and an early finish as some had already had a busy day previously, on the Worky Day.  Not many nets were raised but 44 birds received their rings.  This total included 11 Redpoll, 8 Greenfinch and 6 more Blue Tits!  One reason for ringing today was to try to catch some of the numerous Brambling that have been seen in the back garden.  Unfortunately they were obviously feeding elsewhere as only 4 were caught.  Amongst the 50 retrapped birds, was a Great Tit ringed in the next box, in 2010. 

Thank you to everyone who helped today.  Sausage rolls were well received as were the numerous cups of tea.