Coldest March on record

The whole of March has been very cold with snow and cold winds.  Consequently it appears that the birds in our garden have put nesting on hold and are still coming to the feeders and bird table in large numbers. We are seeing a Red Kite every day now, flying around over the house, garden and farm, Rosemary has seen 3 together.

Another game bird to visit us is this Red-legged Partridge, an introduced species to Britain.  It was very wary, keeping its bright red eye on me behind the curtain as I tried to take the photo, and making quick dashes into the undergrowth when spooked.  Its legs do not look very red, perhaps it's the cold weather!

The native Grey Partridge, badly in decline, is being encouraged on local farmland by our wildlife-friendly farmer, and can occasionally be seen out in the fields.