Its worth mentioning a short walk to my brook a few minutes ago.  We have snow, which is unusual for this part of the world.  After spending the morning trying to get "Blackcap in the Snow" photographs I decided to go and have a look at the brook to see if there was any noticeable signs of otter in the fresh snowfall.  I am pleased to say that some very clear tracks were seen that came out of the water walked up with typical gait and then there is clear evidence that the animal slid down the concrete bank back in to the water. That can only mean that the otter was here this morning and  after the heavy fall, very interesting.  Then to my utter delight, I saw my female Kingfisher who I haven't seen since October, that's a very good sighting and I am thrilled.  The usual Grey Wagtail was also around. I plan to go back later in the afternoon with my pop up hide, still cant get in the established one. The sun is going to be at my back andI hope  to  can get some shots of the Kingfisher. This will be great if she shows up on the strategically placed perch. I am confident! 

Here's a picture of the Blackcap female, yet again on the apple which she loves.

Collared Doves are known to be early, perhaps "non-seasonal" breeders which is a big contributory reason to their successful colonisation of first western Europe and then the United Kingdom.  Having said that, with most birds seemingly under threat from the icy conditions they have decided that there is no problem and are actually busy nest building this morning, carrying sticks up to a nest close to the house and high in a Torbay Palm tree.