So far, winter seems to be alternating between mild and cool spells but already, we have seen more frost and thin ice than the whole of last winter.

The shortest day is thankfully behind us. Although to some degree temperature plays a part, an increase in daylight hours, virtually imperceptible at the rate of two or three minutes each day, is one of the main stimuli to trigger hormonal changes in flora and fauna preparing for spring.

Crows can be seen perching near last years nests and rooks, also early breeders are collecting sticks in as yet a rather half-hearted manner to begin reparing old platforms which are used each year. Herons too are gathering around heroneries so much is already happening in the avian world.

Very soon now, snowdrops or snow piercers to give them their old English name may appear, a delightful sight in the bleakest of mid-winters and a life-giving nectar source for bees venturing out on mild days. It is not known if snowdrops are truly native or introductions centuries ago and now naturalised.

If severe weather does arrive, what I call 'redwing weather', then we will see flocks of these attractive winter thrushes (pictured) raiding pyracantha, ivy, holly and hawthorn berries.

Sadly, my two local songthrushes vanished a year ago and I have not heard my favourite songster, a rapidily decling species since.

This is the peak of the mating season for foxes so frosty nights echo with the 'wow-wow-wow' calls of dog foxes and answering shrieks of vixens, accompanied by a muted nocturnal chanting of robins.