Today we went up to Vane Farm in the atrocious pouring rain, and after a walk out to the one operational hide (they’re having work done) we schlepped back into the cafe for a cup of tea, then hied down to the shop on the ground floor. Standing by the optics stand, Paul heard a lady say the word “woodpecker” and at once, all was still. We looked out, courtesy of some knock your eyes out brand new HD binos, and saw a juvenile woodpecker scaling the peanut stack. Even the staff gathered round. Much talk ensued around the yellow hammers, siskins, redpolls and finches that were displaying, but the woodpecker stole our hearts. Always something new to see, whatever the weather or prevalent conditions. VF rocks.