We could be in for a cold spell

[rustylady]

The robin is back, so are the blackbirds. All feasting on berries and windfall apples, and the birdfeeders are going down very fast.

[buzzingtalk]

loads of blackbirds out the other day in the OH's garden, feeding on the scraps of apple on the floor.

What is the signifcance of this however?

[Capsid]

Just read that Bewick's swans have already arrived at Slimbridge from Siberia which is about 2 weeks earlier than normal. This might portend a cold winter, but I remain sceptical.

[Two_Sheds]

It's been 5c the last couple of nights, and a high of 8c due tomorrow. That's much colder than average for round here

[rustylady]

loads of blackbirds out the other day in the OH's garden, feeding on the scraps of apple on the floor.

What is the signifcance of this however?

I think the birds and animals have a sense that we have forgotten which tells them when it is time to feed up to preserve their energy reserves for hard times.

[blito]

or maybe they listen to the weather on radio 4?

its likely to go sub-zero on the west coast of scotland tonight, apparantly.

[binley100]

OMG I have just read that snow is forecast for over the hills in Scotland...........

[Jeanied]

Ooops - Sis's central heating has broken down - she lives in Newcastle! Hope she can find the hot water bottle tonight!

[Bren In Pots]

It was 5c in my greenhouse at 8pm this evening

[stella]

I got soaked on the way home tonight and it was freezing!

[Polly Fouracre]

There was a very hard frost this morning here in South Devon, just melted now.

[pauco]

loads of blackbirds out the other day in the OH's garden, feeding on the scraps of apple on the floor.

What is the signifcance of this however?

It keeps their energy levels up, and the less they have to travel to feed the more body heat heat is retained. It also means they have more chance of surviving a frosty night.

[gojiberry]

Well the cold weather has certainly arrived in South Wales. Don't think it has been above 0deg for the last 10 days..

Ian

[Two_Sheds]

the birds and animals have a sense that we have forgotten which tells them when it is time to feed up to preserve their energy reserves for hard times.

My body hasn't forgotten: it's currently feeding up on Hobnobs & Maltesers. The brain says no, but the body is weak

[Glutton4...]

We must be in for bad weather - Metcheck's site is playing up again!