Warm, at 2 degrees.

Amazing just how warm it feels, yet it's only 2 degrees outside.  Fortunately for the birds and wildlife we are currently experiencing something of a mini-thaw, and the south facing slopes are beginning to show some earth again, revealing seeds, berries and bugs.


Overnight though, it is still very cold indeed, and so yesterday we constructed a natural shelter (pictured), to give some protection to our chilly birds at night.  Using half-pruners we lopped off the arms of our former Christmas tree (a fir this year, so a bit less scratchy than a spruce).  Placing an underlayer of branches on the floor of a sheltered spot under a wall, we formed an evergreen cavity with the remaining branches on top.

A plate of food outside encouraged its discovery and I'm pleased to note that, judging by the footprints, someone used the new shelter last night.  Hopefully we've provided a useful service; one can at least try!