Camera practice

The view from kitchen doorway, just after 07.30 hrs was very white! Our back garden looked just as tidy as all of neighbour's for a change. Yes; we'd had some overnight snowfall and there was more forecast, however, nothing like they'd experienced further inland and along the coast. Once again the Thanet micro climate prevailed. Kettle on, out I went to replenish the feeders and sort out the aviary. I required a metal bar to smash the ice on the bird baths before being able to top them up. It's just as important to provide water, as it is food, when conditions are harsh as they are at present. Tasks completed, I made my first coffee of the day and stood by the back door watching the activity around the feeding station.

Relatively quiet until just after 08.00 hrs when the first mob of House Sparrows flew in. After which it was hectic, with birds constantly moving in and out of the garden. Bird of the day came in the shape of a Chiffchaff which very briefly flew up onto the garden fence before disappearing next door. There seemed to be more Great Tits today, joined by a couple of their Blue cousins, visiting the sunflower heart feeder regularly throughout the morning. There were two Robins, which is always a recipe for a scrap, chasing around the feeding station and at least three male Blackbirds, who were far more tolerant of their fellows - food more important than fighting? A motley collection of feral Rock Doves were happy to scratch about beneath the feeders and were joined by a couple of Wood Pigeons for a while.

Robins are Bev's absolute favourite bird - the link with Christmas being a major factor. The sultanas are
for the Blackbirds, although I have seen Dunnocks, Robins and Collared Doves also eating them.

These two stayed for quite a while, pecking around under the feeders.

Plenty of subjects for me to point the long lens at, shame the light was so variable that I was forever changing the camera settings. Still, at least I was doing something other than moaning about the conditions and watching the tele, whilst awaiting the start of my shift. All images were taken through the double glazed kitchen door panel.