January

The freezing weather continued and we looked out for signs of wildlife in the garden and fields.

The badgers must be tidying their setts; we see clear tracks and it seems that they are pulling dried grass into the tunnels perhaps to start preparing for the birth of cubs which will happen soon now.

 

In this landscape transformed by by the recent snow, the local walks are a delight. We paused by the clapper bridge at Bathpool to watch a tiny goldcrest in the scrub by the stream.

 

A flock of fieldfare settle briefly in our meadow then forage along the hedgerows - some thirty or more. We were surprised to see an egret, these are always found nearer the coast especially on the mudbanks on the river approaching Looe, best seen from the train on the branch line from Liskeard following the Seaton valley on the line that once carried the granite from the moorland quarries.

 

Farmers take feed out to the flocks of hungry sheep, and as we cross the white fields they come towards us hoping that we are bringing corn!

 

Stunning clear sky and icy blue water of Siblyback Lake on Bodmin Moor, this was a January day to enjoy the hills.
A walk from Minions to Siblyback Lake took us across Craddock Moor where archaeology of prehistoric settlements was visible in the dry, winter vegetation.

 

 

A pair of ravens were standing on the high cliff edge at Golddiggings, the old quarry, and we stopped to admire reflections in the frozen water. At Siblyback Lake gulls were standing on ice whilst the ducks found the thawing influence of a moorland stream and were paddling furiously against the current.

 

A red kite has been seen over farmland in the area, this is quite unusual. Their breeding areas are in Wales so this one has strayed a long way south.

 

Along the peaceful lanes there are snowdrops in the hedgerows pushing up through the dried leaces and fallen twigs.

 

From top: across the Lynher Valley. Siblyback Lake, snowdrops.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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