February 2012

female Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos)

The month started off cold and snowy with about 3 inches falling at Attenborough.  The following morning dawned clear and bright which provided some beautiful soft light for photographing the wildfowl down on the reserve.

male Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos)

Mute Swan (Cygnus olor)

Egyptian Goose (Alopochen aegyptiacus)

Canada Goose (Branta canadensis)

The cold weather also increased the activity in my garden, as more and more birds came in off the reserve to feast on the food in my feeders.

Dunnock (Prunella modularis)

European Robin (Erithacus rubecula)

European Robin (Erithacus rubecula)

European Robin (Erithacus rubecula)

European Robin (Erithacus rubecula)

Although the number of birds coming to the feeders increased greatly as the short cold spell continued, there was nowhere near the variety of species I had last year.  The Marsh Tit below is about the only moderately unusual bird I've seen in my garden so far this year.

Marsh Tit (Poecile palustris)

Also in contrast to last year, the dominant species is the House Sparrow.  Last winter I didn't see a single one in my garden!

female House Sparrow (Passer domesticus)

Eastern Grey Squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis)

Eastern Grey Squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis)

The first wildflowers of the year were in bloom by the middle of the month.

Snowdrop (Galanthus nivalis)

The cold weather didn't last long this year and by the end of the month the temperatures were more akin to April than February.

Greylag Goose (Anser anser)

Great Crested Grebe (Podiceps cristatus)

Great Crested Grebe (Podiceps cristatus)

Great Crested Grebe (Podiceps cristatus)

The local Coots were becoming more and more territorial as the month went on, and fierce fights and territorial displays were common.

Eurasian Coot (Fulica atra) threat display

Eurasian Coot (Fulica atra) threat display

January 2012

2012 Diary Index

March 2012