The mild weather this winter has continued, as I write, well into December.  It’s nearly Christmas and I’ve a few days off before the holiday and through into New Year.  Unfortunately, the weather looks set to be mild but windy, grey and wet.  Today we are just enjoying the trailing edge of a strong north Atlantic storm.  (This year they are getting names; this one is called Eva) 

Yesterday, we had a morning break in the heavy overcast with clear blue skies and only a light breeze.  That afforded the local wildlife a break too.  Taking the dog for his daily walk I took my now normal ‘walkabout’ lens (if you can call a 200-500mm lens such) and a monopod.  There were lots of birds and grey squirrels about in the woods.  One curious sight was of several grey herons occupying or inspecting nests in the local heronry. Surely, that’s incredibly early.  I’m pretty sure they don’t normally take an interest in the nest site until the end of January.  

My favourite sight for the day was of several large groups of long tailed tits.  Quite a common bird around here, they nest on the heathland in bushes and have the most exquisite ball nests.  But in the winter, they can be seen in small, I believe, extended family flocks.  They pick their way round the branches of the oak trees and bushes gleaning what they can.  Not the easiest birds to photograph.  While they are not particularly shy, they are small and forever on the move darting from twig to twig and often partially hidden by the same twigs.  Nevertheless, they are very attractive small balls of fluff.  

Nikon D7200, 500mm, ISO 800, f/8, 1/1250 sec.