Wildlife wonder

Hat stayed on overnight.
Frost on both sides of the windscreen.
Stunning morning through a little gap in the ice.

I haven't had such a fine wildlife trip for a long time! 

This was one of the first squirrels I saw near the house whose owners have turned their copse of woodland into a nature reserve for red squirrels.  Before I was even close to the viewing area, I looked to one side to see my first hair ice which deserved a closer inspection so I picked up the branch and carefully balanced it on a fence post.  As I took a couple of photos, something caught my eye - a little vole was staring up at me from near my feet!

Once at the viewing area, there was little to see. But then movement.  

No squirrel…  Pheasant.

Movement again and a little red squirrel was haring towards me and it was shortly joined by another which really brought on the zoomies!  I wasn't quite sure how a photograph was going to happen, particularly given it was an hour before the sun was going to get close to this little hollow.  Thankfully, one rested on a fencepost and then they were off again before eventually disappearing into the woods.  

I continued on the stunning frost-filled walk just taking it all in.  Just before the incline to the top track, a whole load (dynasty is better!) of goldcrests we’re flitting about in the trees in front of me.  These kept me entertained for a while as I wanted to head back with a bit more sunshine.  I still had to do two ascents of the track into the sunshine to keep warm before it was time to reverse my steps.

Nothing!

Well, one vague glimpse of a red squirrel in the distance so I counted myself very lucky with the first pass! Buzzard on the way back and then I came across the hair ice stick again.  And a very curious robin - wished I'd brought some mealworms! At one point, it hopped onto the end of the stick and started to descend like a see-saw. Somehow, I managed to counterbalance the other end of the stick, get my little camera out and take a photo!

Finally, back at the house and there were the original two squirrels - this time with a little scampering in the sunlight.

Very lovely indeed.  
Time for hot soup and snacks before meandering home, stopping for a cup of tea after Fleet Moss which was the easiest way home with the road closed.

Can't resist so many extras today!