This Winter has seen very few Redwings and Fieldfares despite a good crop of Holly and Hawthorn berries. All that changed last week when Redwings found a berry laden Holly in a friend’s garden. The weather was awful but I managed one session of filming before all the berries had been devoured – it could not have been more seasonal! www.facebook.com/gordonyateswildlife

When the winter snows arrive it is usually time for Badgers to remain underground.It was surprising, therefore, to find that the Badger visiting our garden was still coming when we had our first snowfall a week or so ago. Even the severe frost did not stop his nightly visits, long may it continue!

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At long last the first decent flocks of Waxwings have now arrived in Manchester with more than a hundred present in Hyde as I write this blog.They prefer the red Rowan berries to the yellow ones so now is the time to check any local trees and you may be in for a treat. This weeks photos were take at Hyde and Todmorden. www.facebook.com/gordonyateswildlife

This last weeks severe frost and sunshine have been perfect winter conditions to go looking for Jack Snipe and Waxwings.The first are down in number this winter but the Waxwings are only just arriving.  I watched two separate flocks yesterday so this weeks blog is devoted to them and so is next weeks as they are my favourite bird!

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There is no doubt that the Bearded Tit (or Reedling) is one of the most illusive and spectacular Pennine birds. In recent weeks I have searched the reed-beds of several wildlife reserves but to date I have had only minor success. Along with the Bittern, its close neighbour, they are still at the top of my hit list.

This male Sparrowhawk is not only an immaculate specimen he is a lethal hunter.The autumn birds feeding in the garden have been severely reduced by his lethal hunting. Robin, Goldfinch, Greenfinch, Great Tit and perhaps even Bullfinch have all been taken on an almost daily basis.Is it now time to take action?