Tuesday 17th January (Winter and a Good Walk)


Mr. Kite looked out of his bedroom window into a grey and white mottled sky. Jack Frost was still present in those places that were not touched by yesterdays warm sun. The lime trees stood still on this calm morning full of energy that will gradually emerge in the next few weeks as spring creeps on.

Later in the morning Mr. Kite and his birding companion went for a short cycle ride followed by a walk in the pleasant sunshine and 'the birding competition'. Starting at Hook-a-Gate The Incapacitants walked across fields watching pairs of buzzards, sparrowhawks and plenty of robins. The birds were out in force today singing and flying in the clear blue sky. Near Hanwood The Incapacitants disturbed a bright Red Fox that appeared to have captured a vole.

Large flocks of colourful fieldfares and redwings were the stars of the day as they busily fed in preparation for their return to Scandanavia. Jays, nuthatch, pied wagtail, bullfinch, goldfinch and greater spotted woodpecker were on display. Following the Rea Brook a kingfisher flashed past in a straight bullet like flight. A good day out was enjoyed with thirty species identified and Mr. Kite won the competition. As the evening came The Incapacitants went home and Mr. Kite had a tipple of Green King Abbot Ale. Cheers.