Some real signs of winter today........................
It was cold for a start, it was snowing a bit and there were a lot of new winter arrivals.
North of town we found a flock of 25 or so Japanese Waxwing. This is the earliest I've ever seen them. Some of them looked a bit scruffy, I guess I never see them when they are moulting. It was very very dark too, not a good day for photos to be honest.
In the same place there was a big flock of Dusky Thrush (and 1 Eye-browed Thrush), Brambling and Hawfinch. At Yakumo the eagles have arrived. I saw about 8 or so individuals of both species including 3 adult Stellers Sea Eagle.
Also around were White-fronted Goose, Whooper Swan, Black Scoter, Goldeneye, Dunlin, Japanese Wagtail, Glaucous Gull, Great Egret, Peregrine and Goshawk. In town last week there were Hawfinch, Long-tailed Rosefinch, Great Egret and Red-flanked Bluetail near my apartment...............
A lot of snow on the mountaintops inland from Yakumo and the temperature just above freezing. After 2 very mild ones are we going to get a cold winter?
The waxwings look extra special with the berries. You have a great start to the winter already.
ReplyDeleteThanks Russell
DeleteWhen the waxwings start showing up you know that winter can't be far behind.
ReplyDeleteActually they often show up in late winter, these were very early.........
DeleteGreat to see the Waxwings. That does sound like winter is there!
ReplyDeleteMilder weather returned the next day but winter isn't far off...........
DeleteSend a few of those Waxwings down to us, please !
ReplyDeleteDo you have lots of red berries?
DeleteAmazing to think you get winter so early. We had our first proper snow (in lowland Scotland) just this past week!
ReplyDeleteIt's been a waxwing winter in the UK, at least :)