Kestrels in the snow

We have had deep snow on the ground now for over a week, which makes it difficult for kestrels to locate their field mouse and vole prey. They are there, moving around in grassy tunnels under the snow, but relatively safe.

Hungry times for kestrels

 

Handsome heron

 

This very handsome heron has taken to perching on a rock just downstream of the bridge over the river Wear at Wolsingham, offering excellent views of his preening activities. The heron breeding season begins in February, so I imagine this is a prelude to February courtship.

Roe deer

 I often see roe deer in the distance when I'm walking in Weardale, but it's usually just bobbing white tails in the distance as they bound away amongst the trees. But these two - a mature doe and her almost full-grown fawn - were unusually cooperative and hung around long enough for me to take some pictures.

The fawn has a darker, rougher coat and smaller ears.