There’s something so special about the squeak and crunch of snow underfoot. Whether you’re 4 or 40,18 or 80, so many of your senses can be triggered by it. It started snowing here at about 08:30 yesterday and eventually stopped at 16:00, by which time there was about 4″ depth on our patio. I went outside to fill the squirrel feeders…and forgot about the sheet of ice that was still lingering from last week’s snow. So, my sense of balance wasn’t quite cooperating. I made quite an impressive snow angel, if I say so myself. Last night was the monthly meeting of the Northumberland & Tyneside Bird Club and, despite the inclement weather and difficult road conditions, the lecture theatre was nearly full. Not surprising really; the speaker was Phil Curtis, former Hen Harrier nestwatch co-ordinator for Northumberland. It’s almost impossible to put into words, the contribution that Phil has made to protecting and monitoring Hen Harriers. His passion and drive have fuelled the rota at the well-publicised Northmberland nest for the last 3 years and, without it, we may not have seen young harriers successfully fledging. It’s fairly difficult to describe the catalogue and pattern of persecution that these birds have been subjected to in the north of England as well. I’m looking forward to starting our inland trips for this year as Hen Harrier is always a possibility.
Anyhow, the sun is shining in a clear blue sky and everywhere is still blanketed in crisp white snow, so it’s time to go for a walk I think. Then back home to plan next week’s activities, including a special family offer for the end of the half-term week.