Winter Frosts to end November

The last three days of November became steadily colder with wildlife activity increasing and more visible. On Monday 28th it was again very cold, with a NE wind to dry the earth - but no visible frost.

Another Winter first - the sound of a song thrush singing from the old oaks - it's been a long time since we've heard them. A mistle thrush was seen too, flying across the river, and nearby a great-spotted woodpecker also flew across. A robin pair appeared too, later, well after most birds had gone to roost, continuing their courtship in the dusk, displaying. 

The sun just touching the frost carpet of fallen oak leaves. The frost remained the whole day 

in shady places

Tuesday 29th November was another fine day, this time with a ground frost, the mud was frozen too.

Birds were restless, most finding the first treetop branches to catch the sun, as there was no chilling wind. A great-spotted woodpecker was seen busy foraging in an old ash tree alongside the Arun, well away from the one seen yesterday - they keep to their own territories much of the time. Two jays were not far away, probably searching out a squirrel's cache of acorns - as there are now none left on most of the oaks and very few left lying amongst the fallen leaves. A grey heron sailed over the river watching for still-damp locations along the riverside.

Dunnocks were very visible today, perching on bare branches in the sun, none signing but one was calling. Robins, numerous blue and great tits, blackbirds and wrens were seen in passing.

On the 30th - the last day of November - it seemed that a traditional winter was approaching, with another frost heralding a fine sunny and calm day. It was interesting to note how the remaining oak leaves were falling very slowly, turning or spiralling straight down. The whole riverside was quiet but full of activity.

A moorhen was sitting on a sunny mud bank but soon plunged into the river and further upstream two more were seen paddling together in the sun, juveniles. A nuthatch was calling whilst several blackbirds were foraging amongst Dog Rose hips and Hawthorn berries - but selecting Ivy berries in preference to the others.

Towards dusk a blackcap was seen foraging then flying off into the dense Hawthorn to roost. 

What will December bring? It seems that we have already had more frosty mornings this autumn than we had in the whole of last winter!