Today was one of those quietly good days. There was nothing exceptional about it, but the weather was good, and the local bird life was putting on a good display.
It started early, before the sun had risen above the Downs, with a lively little wren. it was hopping in and out of the undergrowth, but paused long enough for a quick shot.
There were two cormorants on the pond, one of them happily risking the wrath of the local council by perching mischievously on the 'No Fishing' sign. As if that's going to stop a cormorant 😀
Later on it decided to rest up and dry off in the shelter of the weeping willow.
The pigeons were settled out in the fields, along with a lone fieldfare. This is my first sight of one this winter. I was surprised to see it on its own as they usually travel in small flocks.
The last shot today was taken as I headed back to work this afternoon. I'd spotted the gulls in something of a gullish frenzy, and sure enough the cause of their concern soon made itself apparent. A buzzard was flying in relatively low over the buildings. 
No recent fox photos, although there has been plenty of activity with several foxes romping in the garden late last night. The badgers are less frequent now, though the trail cam has picked up the very occasional sighting. I'm already looking forward to spring, when things will liven up once again.
Camera note: all shots taken with the Canon 7D and EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L USM IS lens.
derWandersmann
18 Dec 2012Am I right in assuming that willows are relatively rare in England? I seem to recall some story about them all having been cut down for cricket bats, but it sounds rather apochryphal.
I love the wren … they're such tiny, plain little birds. Come to think of it, it should have been the wren in the willow, shouldn't it?
Nice shot of the buzzard, and I'm pleased to make the acquaintance of the fieldfare … that is a large thrush! Perhaps he was scouting territory for the flock, if that's what it's called.
gdare
18 Dec 2012I've seen a wren for a first time this year, in our neighbourhood. Tiny little bird :awww:
SittingFox
18 Dec 2012I haven't seen any fieldfares or redwings so far this year (although I haven't done much birdwatching lately). Great shot of the buzzard.
Words
19 Dec 2012Adele, no redwings here either. I suspect we'll need a bit a proper winter weather before they show up down here.
Words
19 Dec 2012dW, weeping willow id fairly common here, but it needs space and the right location. They are popular near water. I beleive willow is still used for cricket bats these days, and they certainly speak of the sound of the 'leather on willow' when they discuss the game on radio.
Wrens are great little brds, among the most numerous of all our natives but so tricky to see. The fieldfares tend only to come near human habitat in bad winters, searching for food.
Words
19 Dec 2012Darko, they are small aren't they, but they are incredibly territorial and can be very noisy if they want to warn you away.