The title is not strictly relevant as all the birds featured today can be seen throughout the year. That said, a bright winter day is perfect for watching birds. The trees are clear of leaves, the birds are often slightly more bold than usual as they search for food, and the days are short which means some great light at a convenient time.
The first shot was taken in the middle of the day from our garden. It's not often that buzzards fly over us; but when they do the noise of the herring gulls is enough to tell me where to point the camera.
There were crows and magpies as well, but these next shots were taken later in the day in Sheepcote Valley. 
The valley is actually reclaimed industrial (and contaminated) land, but wildlife thrives there and it's a popular spot for walkers. The blackthorn and brambles attract many smaller species, including goldfinches and stonechats.
There's one species which is especially at home in Sheepcote. The kestrel, and one finally emerged late in the afternoon as the sun was low in the sky.
A last look back as I left the sheep to graze in the soft glow of the setting sun.
Camera note: all bird shots taken with the Canon 7D EF and 400mm f/5.6L USM lens. the final two shots were taken with the EF 24-105 F4L IS USM lens.
derWandersmann
16 Jan 2012Really superior shots, Words! The birds are "posed" perfectly. And the two last shots are just poetry.
ICU109
16 Jan 2012the sheep pics are truly art. you could frame them. the white winged black bird, magpie? Love their coloration! one of my favorites. and the kestrel, beautiful shots.
wellisteffi
16 Jan 2012Wonderful picture.
serola
16 Jan 2012Vertical shots seem to work well when birds are sitting on some branch :up:
derWandersmann
16 Jan 2012Last-but-one: Roches moutonnĂ©es … LOL
gdare
16 Jan 2012Nice photos, especially kestrel and goldfinch :up:
It don't look like winter, btw.
SittingFox
16 Jan 2012Excellent sequence, especially the kestrel!
Words
16 Jan 2012Sami, I like the vertical ones and I seem to be doing more of them (mainly through cropping to be honest).
Words
16 Jan 2012Adele, thanks. Typically the kestrel appeared after about two hours. Better late than never.
Words
16 Jan 2012dW, thanks! The light was great, and the local kestrels are among the most consistently cooperative subjects I've come across. Especially the males. I nearly didn't take the final couple of shots, but I'm glad I did.
Words
16 Jan 2012Steffi, thanks!
Words
16 Jan 2012Kathy, yes that's a magpie. It's a corvid (related to the crow and the rook among others). They have a bad reputation but are beautiful to watch. The kestrels are always great to photograph.
Words
16 Jan 2012Darko, thanks. It might not look like winter but it was jolly cold out there! :smurf:
Words
16 Jan 2012dW, that got me googling, but I do see what you mean! đŸ˜†
cakkleberrylane
17 Jan 2012You've certainly used light to the extreme advantage. Very well done!!
serola
17 Jan 2012Originally posted by derWandersmann:
Hmm… I had to Google as well :sherlock: Indeed they look like rocks :up:
Words
17 Jan 2012Lois, thanks!