Narnia, Sussex Style

Woke up to find a thick covering of snow on the ground. First thought, "Grab camera and take pictures." Second thought, "Put some clothes on first."

So while the cats were wondering how far down their little legs would sink into it, I was dressed and out through the door which was a minor miracle as I had so many layers on I could've made the Michelin Man look anorexic. I headed up to one of my favourite places, the RSPB reserve at Pulborough Brooks expecting to do battle with all the other photographers out capturing snow scenes.

We get so little snow in Sussex that when it does fall it usually induces some sort of madness which has all the local togs running around upping the EV and hammering the shutter button. Speed is also of the essence as Sussex snow doesn't hang around for long. It probably helps to have a snow plan made in advance, but I've never got round to making one.

I swung into the car park, quite literally as I was a little too eager with the steering wheel over the ice. Anyway there I was in the big empty car park, not a single snapper in sight (Christmas Shopping 65m - Linda 1). Into the Visitor Centre to be told I had the reserve to myself, go enjoy! And I did!

Wandering over glittering white crystal pathways in a magical landscape watching bunnies, fallow deer, and bouncing red robins has to rate as being one of the most fun things you can do with all your clothes on (note I said 'one').

Hundreds of Canada Geese were parked on the Brooks making their funny honking calls. A lone woodpecker was tapping out his secret message on a tree trunk. The paths were crisscrossed with dozens of deer and fox prints made the previous night, evidence of just how many animals frequent the reserve after the humans have gone home.

Over at the Hanger viewpoint there was a notice telling visitors of the recent arrival of a female Peregrine falcon and pointing out her favourite perching tree. Usually I never manage to see the subject of signs like this but I looked for her anyway and after deducing that it wasn't a stuffed bird the RSPB had nailed to a branch I finally saw her. Spent ages looking at her through my bins. A beautiful magnificent creature casting her eye over her winter kingdom. Humbling to think I was looking at the fastest living thing on this planet. Even better to see a bird that's not part of any falconry display but living wild and free - awesome!