Report from 1 to 2 February 2024

We finally had a sunny day after an endless spell of fog. Not so long ago, fog was typical of November, while January was associated with ice and frost. In the last two years, the vegetation in November was green and trees were still in leaf. Now, we only rarely see ice. We are truly undergoing profound changes.
To continue on a sour note, I am saddened to report that I have not been able to relocate our old friend the Great White Heron that was ringed in Hungary way back in 2005. Ever since, it has come back every year to its wintering territory right in front of the main farmhouse’s windows. This fall we saw it in early November, but it has since disappeared, its territory empty. I am afraid that at the ripe old age of almost 19, it has reached the end of the road.

The Meadow Pipit occurs only in winter at La Cassinazza. True to both its English and its Latin name (Anthus pratensis) it is found almost exclusively in meadows, preferably wet and with a few puddles, usually in small flocks of up to 10 or 20 individuals. They are almost impossible to see as they crouch in the grass, but when disturbed they flush and seek refuge atop bushes or trees.