Snow on the Downs

The thaw has just about got underway, but there's still plenty of snow – and the occasional flurry. The skies were grey, but I decided that if I wanted to get out on to the Downs while the snow was still sitting it was probably today or never.

South Downs blanketed with snow

Those dots on the horizon are sheep. An ideal time to be blessed with a thick woolly coat.
Sheep in the snow

Further along the path I spotted some ponies out in a field.
Ponies in the snow

I was going to head out to where they were, but something caught my eye. No it wasn't a fox, but that did cross my mind… after all foxes are not unknown to slope around where rabbits play.
Rabbits in the snow

I wanted to get a little closer to the rabbits, but the snow had drifted. I was quickly up to my knees in it, and thought better of risking my health or the camera. I did spot this though…

Yes it's a tree, but lurking under the branches is a woodpecker.

No foxes today, but I'll sort out some trail cam footage and post it tomorrow. 😉
Nature Blog Network
Camera note: all shots taken with the Canon 40D and EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L USM IS lens, withthe exception of the photo linked in the text above, which was taken with the EF 24-105 F4L IS USM lens.

Tags: , , , , ,

This Post Has 16 Comments

  1. CedarFox

    11 Jan 2010

    Wow, I don't think that's much less snow than what we have :smurf:

  2. gdare

    11 Jan 2010

    Seems that rabbits were aware of your presence anyway, I think they would not let you come closer 😀
    It certainly looks as a lot of snow you have there :smurf:

  3. Ukwildlife

    11 Jan 2010

    looks like lots more snow than we've had. Nice snowy pics

  4. anonymous

    11 Jan 2010

    Daveabirding writes:

    Enjoy it while it lasts.

  5. SittingFox

    11 Jan 2010

    I see the woodpecker! LOL, it's always a shock when you suddenly step into a drift! :faint:

    It's gradually melting up here, but there's going to a covering on the ground for a little longer. Hope you made it into work safely today.

  7. Words

    11 Jan 2010

    Adele, the woodpecker was surprise. I seem to be seeing them in usual places at the moment… they must be struggling for food. I had one more day working from home… the main route to work was blocked with snow, and the roads here were still icy. Should be ok tomorrow though.

  8. Words

    11 Jan 2010

    Darko, the rabbits were at the bottom of the slope. I think the one sitting up may have heard something, but they were hopping about quite happily. I could have got closer if I'd tried harder 😉

  9. Words

    11 Jan 2010

    Dave, I will… but I fear there won't be much left by next weekend.

  10. Words

    11 Jan 2010

    Andy, that's such a great photo! We're tucked under the ridges on the south coast. Brrrr… :psmurf:

  11. Words

    11 Jan 2010

    Neil, it really collects on the Downs. Some nice deep drifts, and great slopes for home made toboggans.

  12. Words

    11 Jan 2010

    Eric, it was certainly a lot for southern England, but it's beginning to melt away and things will be back to normal fairly soon. We can only take it for a few days at a time!

  13. Words

    11 Jan 2010

    Erwin, more than I can remember for many years. :smurf:

  14. Flying Red Fox Blog

    12 Jan 2010

    The Sheep dont look white in the snow 😆 Very nice photos, it did look like we were about to get another blizzard but i guess it didnt come, probably for the best in a way! 😛

  15. Words

    12 Jan 2010

    Mark, yes they do look grubby! We may get more snow tonight down here though. :smurf:

  16. Wulpen

    19 Oct 2012

    Thats a lot of snow….

Comments are closed.

Close Menu