I expected that the new national lockdown would severely restrict photographic activites but not this time as my damaged knee is still causing problems so I am unable to get out anyway. However there are still opportunities close to home.

In my garden there is a large Cotoneaster that normally gets attention from a small flock of Redwings during December so all the berries have been cleared by Christmas. This winter they turned up rather later than previous years, I first noticing them 7th January. The next day, I was able to take some photos from a bedroom window.

With the berries disappearing at a rapid rate, the local blackbird really got upset as it's winter store of food was being consumed.

Contrary to lockdown rules, I had a business appointment a few miles away from home so needed to take the car out for the first time since before Christmas. On the way back, passing Fen Drayton Lakes, I called in with camera at the ready and just drove the access road to see what was there. As I cannot walk far, I was tied to shooting from the car. The orchard area of the reserve is next to the road and was waterlogged so I sat there watching another flock of Redwings feeding.

An interesting shot although rather distant so quite heavily cropped.

And then a Green Woodpecker flew in to feed for a short time until being spooked by the usual run of joggers and dog-walkers.

Not too much to show but still worth the effort, if only to break the monotony of being indoors.