Home in time for winter!

Last night was clear and the moon full, making deep moon shadows, but nothing moved.

Hardly any footprints in the virgin snow this morning — all mammals, apart from one hardy fox, are snug in their lairs. One sparrow nips out of his nest in the masonry at the corner of our house to pinch a feather from someone else’s nest in the hedge — minus 5 degrees centigrade in the night and he must be increasing his insulation.

We walk on the hill, looking for redwings and fieldfares.

Not even a starling stirs but there is the drumming of a greater spotted woodpecker from the woods — so early, must be experimenting with the acoustics.

Here are his instruments. The air is clear and crisp. The sheep have been evacuated to somewhere more sheltered and nearer home for the shepherd.

Down our valley nothing moves but the two abandoned cars that we almost slid into yesterday have been rescued with some nifty gritting and have returned home to await a thaw.

Our footsteps creak as we descend for a second cup of coffee.