There are still holly berries

There has been a break in the sodden weather. I've done two short stints in the garden and then sat out with a mug of tea and no hat (four layers of clothing though!). In a dense spruce tree down the hill there was a constant chatter of small birds. Even with binoculars I couldn't see them but hearing them was refreshing.

Most winters we get visits from Fieldfares and Redwings. I haven't seen any this winter and the fact that there are still berries on the holly tree they usually strip completely suggests that they haven't been. At least the local blackbirds will not have had to fight their corner–fat lot of good it does a few individuals against a big flock of fieldfares anyway!