All the unusual visitors to the garden evaded the camera this month, so it is time to picture one of the regulars.

Topping the list of near misses was a pair of Blackcaps. The female made a few return visits during the month on one occasion briefly making use of the feeder. This was the first sighting of Blackcaps this Winter.

A Goldfinch put in just one appearance, as did a Sparrowhawk - the first time since last October that we have seen the latter.

Oddity of the month though was the fleeting glimpse of a magnificent male Pheasant. Unlike the female which seemed to take up residence for a few days last October, we have seen no more of the male.

TJH
February 2004