The Start of Winter

​As both the temperature and the final leaves drop at this time of the year the wildlife always seems to quieten down. As a photographer, the main problem is the darkness which makes it hard to get photos without the subject either being too dark or blurred. However, you can only capture so much through the lens and there was still plenty to observe! As often is the case, almost every animal I observed seems to be looking for food and feeding themselves as the days get colder – from hungry voles and mice to starlings scuffling at the feeders over suet pellets, every inch of the garden is being stripped of its food sources. The starlings at this time of the year can be seen flying overhead just before twilight between 3.30 and 4 pm to meet up with other individuals in a much larger murmuration at Otmoor. I look forward to visiting the nature reserve soon to see this amazing spectacle as I do so every year!