Thursday 5th February

Another day for walking rather than cycling, though the main roads were not too bad. I walked over the Downland to the Peregrine Watch, then back again, missing out Sea Walls. Unlike the pristine snow of Tuesday morning there were patches of mud, grass and snow, and a jumble of footprints. The population of Bristol were out rolling huge snowballs and building statues and snow people. My favorite was a statue of a couple embracing, the sculptor stands beside his creation - he was from University Close - the University had the afternoon off for a Union Meeting.
At the Peregrine Watch. It was very difficult to see if there were any birds in the Leigh Woods trees. With all the leaves down, and snow on the ground between the trees the woodland floor dominates the view. All the little glades stand out from the surrounding trees.
Now, if it flies like a pigeon, and looks much like a pigeon, even through cold glasses and watery eyes, then why was it chasing a Seagull? Maybe we have some rabid pigeons out over the river ...

There were many huge balls of snow, very dirty from the mud they had collected, and leaving large tracks on the grass. Some of the snowman-artwork was very clever, several igloos, one with a shopping trolley balanced on it, and I'm told there was a dragon over by Blackboy Hill. There were also a few phallic creations! No imagination some people. I did like this quartet of snow people.

The Seven Young Sisters and their three Maiden Aunts in the snow.