Funny old February

Weather wise that is.

At the start of the month we had snow, pretty much all across the UK and by the last week we had three days of temperatures near the lower twenties, one of the days being an all time record high for the time of year.
Taking advantage of the sunny weather has seen the arrival of some summer migrants including Sand Martin, Swallow and Wheatear, whilst my garden winter resident Grey Wagtail has departed, hopefully to breed.
With luck she may return in the Autumn.

Overwintering ducks are steadily departing from Moor Green, Goosander are all but gone.
Black Headed Gull numbers have increased, with about two hundred occupying Tern Island and staking their claim to a nesting site.

The overwintering 1st winter Scaup is still at the reserve and is now in all but breeding plumage..
During the last week of the month I made a visit to Crowthorne Wood, Berkshire to see Crossbill.
Two males came close and perched at the top of some conifers for a minute or two before flying off.
I shall make another visit soon and with luck get some photos.