I was advised that in the winter there
would be a good deal less to say than there was in the spring. It is
certainly true that there are fewer opportunities to take photos, so
you may get some blog-posts which are nothing but words. Not this one
though.
We were away for a week, seeing egrets
on the Arno, not to mention paintings in the Uffizi. While we were away there was some notable rain, so that
we came home to find another three inches or so of water in the pond.
This is good news, for it could do with freshening up. The task of
dredging out weed and mud and dead leaves continues. I am not
planning to make a swamp, good though that might be for some
creatures.
 |
| More water in the pond |
The best news is that the sparrows have
returned, and are chattering round the bird-feeders and in the
thickets. There has been a sad decline in house sparrows over recent
years, so it is particularly pleasing to be supporting them. Over the
years we have seen a few interesting and exotic wandering migrants at
the feeders. None so far this year, but I shall be sure to tell you
if any do turn up. I get great pleasure just now from seeing coal
tits, blue tits and blackbirds.
I went down the garden at lunch-time
today to hear a strange crackling noise in the sweet briar. There was
a grey squirrel, defying the ferocious thorns, and eating a large
rose-hip. Meanwhile a pair of blackbirds were busy stripping the
elder berries off the tree. I need to cut it back this winter, so I
am glad I have waited till the berries are gone.
As for the hedge – the beech leaves
are the most colourful red-brown. But the oak remains my special
favourite. Once we get to the new year there will have to be some
serious hedge-lopping, but not just yet. It is quite a good way of
digesting Christmas dinner.
