A happy new year to you all. 2021 seems to be starting as gloomily as 2020 ended, but for us the year started at 0530, getting up on a frosty day for a 29 mile walk to Rackham and Burpham in search of White-fronted Geese and Bewick’s Swans. We were successful seeing our targets, distantly, and 69 species was an excellent start to the on foot list. On 3rd we topped it up with a walk along the coast to add some waders and seabirds.
The plans for this weekend were for a walk to Pulborough, abandoned due to the lockdown, and then another trip to the coast, which we also abandoned, as it looks like the busiest place around here. Instead we had three walks over the downs behind us, with almost no company, other than a lot of frost and mist. A few waders and some Corn Buntings nudged the list onto 96.
Best of all was the Barn Owl that the cold weather has brought to the fields behind us. The views haven’t been good, but it’s a treat so see such a beautiful bird out of your bedroom window.
