The mild winter continues and with it the unseasonal colour in the arboretum. Look out for the late flowerers, like this Herb Robert (Geranium robertianum) below...
and the early flowerers like this Witch Hazel (Hamamelis) already beginning to bloom in the Winter Garden
Bird highlights this week have included a Red Kite low over the Foliage Glade on Monday morning, followed by at least two Buzzards circling and calling low over the Phillimore area. They seem to be quite frequent in this part of the arboretum so worth keeping your eyes peeled and ears alert for their mewing call. Siskins continue to be a regular sight and sound and I noted several singing on Tuesday this week. Rowe's Flashe Lake is still hosting the long staying drake Pochard and at least two Little Grebes. At dusk on Tuesday seven Mandarin Ducks flew northwest from the lake to roost, while there was a Water Rail calling towards Phillimore. I heard the Water Rail again in Phillimore on Wednesday morning, along with a Grey Wagtail and a singing Stock Dove. I've not seen or heard any further sign of last week's Lesser Spotted, but have seen both Green and Great Spotted Woodpeckers regularly lately - it won't be long before the latter are starting to drum as Spring draws ever nearer. Now there's a nice thought...
Happy Christmas all!
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