It is the 24th January and this morning, from about 7.30, we have had a heavy fall of snow. It is the quietness that encompasses everything after snow that gets forgotten, the sharp calls of birds the only sounds that break the silence in this newly changed landscape. And the stillness … which is disturbed by the flurry of a flock of goldfinches taking over a feeder. Then, as other birds begin their search for food after a cold night, the garden comes alive. A quick dash down the path to set out water, give the feeders a shake and scatter more food on the ground before the next ‘wave’ of birds arrives. We have had our full daily cast this morning apart from greater spotted woodpecker and wren, and not including our occasional visits from a male blackcap.

Now, at 11.00, the vital first feeds have been taken and we have just a few redpolls, sparrows, chaffinches, the odd blue tit, and blackbirds. We have had many more than usual this year, migrants from Scandinavia probably, dark birds with black beaks mixing happily with our usual birds.

A small flock of redwings has just flown over but not stopped to check out what’s on offer.

It is as it was – quiet and still and peaceful.