Sunrise 07:42 Sunset 16:10 GMT

Life has turned a little upside down for me and Rod at the moment, Rod has started radiotherapy which means he has to go to Poole every weekday for 8 weeks so my walks are organised round the trip. The trouble with this time of year is that it is dark in the mornings until around 7.30 to 8 o’clock and I have needed to go out at 6 when it is still very dark. The dogs don’t seem to mind but they have to stay on the lead as I can’t see what’s about. The one good thing is that I can enjoy the Tawny owls that live in the oak trees around the village, they are very vocal just before dawn and the other morning I could hear at least three in different places.

The weather has been changeable and yesterday morning we had our first real hard frost it was lovely even in the dark! Today we are back to heavy rain once again.

I got a chance to have a walk with Kim over to Bere Marsh in the afternoon yesterday, it was lovely and sunny unlike today. I wanted to practice with my camera  although it didn’t really happen! There was wildlife but I couldn’t get too close.I spotted a Heron on the little island near Hayward’s bridge he flew away into the trees.

I then spotted the Kingfisher under the little bridge at Bere Marsh he was flying the length of the stream at speed, no chance for a picture. As I walked back towards home I spotted the bully boy Crows again and they were worrying the Buzzard again, they don’t give up! The Buzzard doesn’t seem too bothered and finally I spotted a Sparrowhawk flying across the field into a large Ash tree. There was certainly plenty about.

In the end I took a picture of Kim crossing the footbridge. I’m still trying to get to grips with the camera particularly the focussing system, I’m sure more practice will help.

In the last few days I have noticed more flocks of Fieldfares and we also saw a fairly large flock of Lapwings near Manston, they are so distinctive in flight.