Pitsford Reservoir - Nature Reserve Walk (Winter)

 

Frosty frozen Reservoir

It has been a long time since I had the idea to capture the Pitsford Nature Reserve during different seasons. The previous write up covered 'Autumn' and the link is below for anyone interested.

http://peterja-storytellersnight.blogspot.com/2021/11/pitsford-reservoir-nature-reserve-walk.html

A perfect day for walking (even with a dodgy knee). Beautiful bright sunshine and blue skies, but a sharp overnight frost  underfoot. I'm looking forward to walking the seven mile perimeter very much. I'm not expecting to see many other walkers as this is strictly for members only and it is midweek. The other side of Pitsford Reservoir is still a great walk but is open to the public and you tend to see less wildlife. 

This write up is going to be more about the photographs  rather than anything else.Background information about the Nature Reserve is covered off in the Autumn blog ( see above link). It is a chilly start but I soon get warmed up once moving. The first 'spot' of the day is a pair of 'Jays' amongst the Pines. Lots of other bird life too including, Redwings, Fieldfares, Buzzards, Red Kites, Wren, Goldcrest, Treecreeper and many Blue Tits and Great Tits.   

As well as a wealth of birds there was also a lot of animal activity. Absolutely loads of Squirrels scurrying around. The best spot of the day though would have to be the Stoat (Mustela erminea), (The Black tip on the tail gave it away). It was busy darting around the edge of the grass path. Never allowing me to get too close to it.

In total I also counted fourteen separate Muntjac Deers. The smallest species of Deer in the UK. Usually quite elusive and secretive, obviously feeling quite confident in these secluded parts.