Carrion crow on a distant tree in the snow today...
Little did I think I would be spending all my time blogging about the weather these last few weeks, but the snow at this time of year has been unusually early and severe for Cardiff…
We had about four inches of snow yesterday and another couple on top of that today. It was weighing down the trees first thing but has gradually been dropping off in mini avalanches in the sun. But there’s a freeze to come, which is not good news.
I took a few pictures of the trees and the birds attracted to the bird table – although I missed a shot of a blackcap on the table and a redwing in a nearby tree.
Otherwise all the usual suspects were around – robin, dunnock, blackbird, blue tit, coal tit, great tit, magpie, collared dove and woodpigeon.
The grey squirrels also came out to warm themselves in the sun.
View from the front door at dawn - Liquidambar in the snow - and that's a seagull in the sky...
Female blackbird in the snow...
Grey squirrel in the snow...
Male blackbird in a mini-avalanche...
A neighbour's tree (can't remember what sort!) in the snow...
Pine tree laden with snow...
Magpie in the snow...
Silver birch in the snow...
Ash trees beyond a neighbour's roof...
Blue tit in the snow...
Collared dove in the snow...
A robin in the snow...
A splash of colour in the snow - evergreen ivy and dead field maple leaves...
The Squirrelbasket 
LOVELY pix, especially the trees against blue sky. My car has an igloo, which is entertaining but not so scenic (Or… oh horror… did someone steal the car in the night and leave a big pile of snow in its place…?).
Thanks for commenting (and for the Christmas card and news – so that’s what you look like now, haven’t changed a bit!).
Still thick snow on the ground here – dreading the pavements today. Car safely in garage…
x
These are stunning photo’s. I love the birds, especially the blacbird and the robin. We have had a lot of snow in Newport too!!
Thanks for the kind comment – and here’s a link to your pictures of winter in Beechwood Park. I know that park but haven’t been there for decades.
Hope the snow is clearing there – not budging much here!
Best wishes
x
Dear Pat – Thank you for these beautiful photos!! I realize that the down side of snow is a multitude of hardships of one kind or another, and the up side is the incredible beauty, as well as the fact that folks help other folks when the going gets rough. (It’s a yay/boo world, after all!!!) I can’t help wondering what on earth the birds can find to eat – besides the bits that kind people put into feeders for them. It’s a wonder that any of the smaller creatures survive – so we do what we can to help!! Happy Christmas to you and your family!
Thanks so much for your kind words. I know what you mean about pulling together – and suddenly EVERYONE talks to each other at bus stops (I usually do anyway, but now there’s probably a long wait for a bus so it’s silly to wait in silence).
As for the birds, it’s a worry – I can’t imagine what they would find to eat, and do they realise they can “drink” snow?
A Merry Christmas to you and yours, too…
x
The snow looks amazing, as does the hoar frost. We haven’t had any yet, but can’t travel far. I hope you’re keeping warm!
It’s all turning to icy slush now, which is a bit of a hazard and not very pretty. Hope the snow is holding off wherever you are.
Love your pet rats, by the way!
Merry Christmas!
x