Snowman by the road in Compton, complete with (snow) top hat, monocle and bow tie.
These are mine
The mistlethrush (previous post) decided it needed to cross the road to take up guard closer to its rowan berries.
Sharing the tree
Shortly after the mistlethrush of the previous post arrived, it was followed by a party of the waxwings which it was on guard against.
One of this group landed in the same tree, to be watched with suspicion.
On guard
A mistlethrush perches high in a birch tree, on watch to protect the rowan berries in its territory from a flock of waxwings.
Bullfinches, winter
Bullfinches feeding even when the snow was falling. This male was perching while he waited for a place on the bird table.
Male on the bird table.
A paler-coloured female eating as she stands on the edge of the bird table.
Another male nearby taking his place in the queue.
Red and green
These vivid reds and grees are on the leaves of a cultivated mahonia variety which has been bred to turn red at this time of year.
Spotted in the front garden of a side road.
Frosted ivy berries
Ivy berries, looking like they had just been dipped in icing sugar, instead of being pictured on a cold winter morning.
Wren’s nest
A nest so small it wouldn’t leave room for a bird bigger than a wren. This was high in an ash tree, visible because there were no leaves.
Paddle mechanism, snow
The mechanisms controlling paddles on canal locks, like much of the technology of the industrial revolution, combines functionality with a striking appearance.
The snow sticking to this mechanism on a paddle on Wightwick Lock reminds me of an abstract sculpture.
Weeping willow, Compton Park, snow
Weeping willow by the entrance to Compton Park. The branches are green as the tree begins to put on new growth for the spring, contrasting with the white of the snow, and the blue fence of the new housing development.