February brought in mild weather, with the occasional dusting of snow. This has made our feeding station a popular spot with many of the usual birds.

Two greenfinches were spotted in the feeding station, a bird that has become rare in the area due to repeated outbreaks of trichomonosis. Two flocks of yellowhammers made an appearance at the feeding station on the 5^th and 10^th. What a sight! The sparrowhawk was very active on the 5^th, swooping after the small birds in the feeding station. Our local red squirrels continue to be regular visitors to the feeding station, feeding on peanuts.

A juvenile peregrine falcon was spotted perched high on a dead tree, feathers fluttering in the chilly breeze from the hide. Goldeneye were observed doing their courtship display on the loch so it seems that spring is in the air for them at least!

Two cormorants have taken up residence and were spotted fishing. Coots and moorhens were also present; interestingly two of the coots seemed to be hanging around with the wigeon. Perhaps they were suffering from an identity crisis!

At least two great crested grebes were spotted – the first for months, and a little grebe was seen on the 8^th.

Chris Cachia Zammit