Walk out to Winter

It was hard to believe it was the 15th of December today as we took our daily walk around the lake.
The strength of the sun was quite intense, as you can see from this picture.Our thermometer registered 31 degrees when left in direct sunlight and 14 when in the shade.

A confusing time for the wildlife with many butterflies and dragonflies around and very active for this time of year.
We saw a lone Dalmatian Pelican soaring over the water, maybe it was a late Southerly bound migrant from the Danube Delta or an early scout from warmer climes checking out the lay of the land for the breeding colony due back here in late January or early February.



We also had a fantastic sighting of a Black Woodpecker through the scope from a distance of just 20 metres.