December part 1

"Holly berries shinning red, mean along winter, ti's said."
 We do have lots of berries in the hedges around here and we have had snow early. The saying seems to be true this year at least.
1st Snowing but not very heavy. Some of the country has had 18 inches of snow and temperatures of -20. So far we have had it mild. Lots of birds coming for food. A thrush is eating a snail, first bashing it on the ground to get it out of it's shell.

2nd More snow and a visit by the great spotted woodpecker. He likes to eat the fat and seed out of the coconut shell on the stem of the bird table.
13th The snow has gone 2 male blackbirds are eating the pyracantha berries and apples I have put out. They have regular fights chasing each other from the garden. Starlings, robins, blue, great and cole tits , sparrows and magpies  and collared doves coming everyday.

Collared Dove ( Streptopelia decaocto) Usually found in towns or on farmland. Nests on buildings or in trees. Lays 2 white eggs and can have 2 broods. Feeds on grain,seed and some fruit.

16th More snow but it didn't stick. 3 male blackbirds in the garden and a female. They are tolerated for a while before 1 of the blackbirds chases the others including the female off.
17th Lot's more snow falling today. A hard frost has created  beautiful scenery this long icicle.

The river where I see the Kingfisher is beautiful.

22nd It's the coldest December in 30 years according to the met office. There has certainly been more snow that I can remember. All the birds are fluffed up against the cold and are visiting regulary.
31st December ends cold and murky, but the snow has gone. It has been the coldest December for 100 years.

                                             Frosty trees, icicles form, and a rose frozen in time.