Goodbye 2015.

A final wander around my local patch for 2015. While trudging the very muddy paths after an overnight deluge I watched mixed parties of Long-tail, Great and Blue Tits busily foraging together with a couple of flighty Goldcrests; a Nuthatch tapped busily overhead; Wren, Blackbird and Robin made a brief appearance  and a group of Redwings flitted from tree to tree. Not much to see on the ponds apart from a single Coot and Moorhen plus 20 Mallard and a pair of Cormorants soaking up the winter sunshine.

Very few photo opportunities apart from a Grey Heron patiently watching alongside one of the ditches.

So as we say goodbye to 2015 and look forward to 2016 I leave you with a recent image of a young Fallow buck and wish everyone a HAPPY and wildlife rich NEW YEAR. FAB.

Christmas Greetings.

A Winter Favourite.

During a very recent foray around Farlington Marshes, on a somewhat dreary day, I took the opportunity to grab a few images of the delightful Brent Geese that visit this coastal location in very large numbers during the winter months.

I adopted my usual slow stealthy approach in order to get within reasonable range of one group quietly feeding on a grassy area inside the sea wall. One or two individuals checked me out but despite being out in the open they were extremely tolerant.

Preening ... just part of their daily activities.

A very elegant species and I'll look forward to making their acquaintance again in the New Year. FAB.

Linking to WILD BIRD WEDNESDAY.