The Magpie's Hoard

Dark Peak

Dark Peak, originally uploaded by Roger B..

Today Liz and I caught a bus out to Fairholmes, then walked across the moors to Low Bradfield.

Although the weather was grey and wintry, the grouse were very active on the moorland. As we walked, we could hear rival males calling to each other on either side of the path. It won't be long before the nesting season gets underway!

Birdsong in Midwinter

Yesterday, as I crossed a busy road in the centre of Sheffield, I thought I could hear birdsong over the noise of the traffic. Safely across the road, I paused and listened carefully. It was a mistle thrush in full song. I couldn't locate the bird, but the sound seemed to be coming from a nearby rooftop.

This time last year I mentioned hearing a mistle thrush singing in a local park. It's always a pleasant surprise to hear birdsong in the depths of winter - it reminds me that spring is not that far away.