The omens have been bleak all year according to superstition with regards to the dark winter months ahead of us. Superstition is vying with hi-tech forecasting to see which is the more reliable predictor of a biting cold long winter.
The arrival of waxwings- exotic crested birds from Siberia – is traditionally a harbinger of an icy winter. This year thousands have flocked to Scotland and East Anglia, an influx that chimes with other traditional predictors of a big freeze ahead. Holly and rowan trees are laden with red berries, and even as far back as May folklorists were remarking on the white hedgerows – a sure sign that snow would feature in the coming winter. Naturally enough the bookies across the land shortened the odds on a white Christmas just in time for the snows that came!
At the UK government run Met office however, the long range three month forecast from the meteorological boffins is that this winter will be average or warmer than average. The Met men are unperturbed by the lure of the weather lore.
Stalker will be keeping an eye on the behaviour of sheep and moles (apparently erratic behaviour signals a cold snap ahead), and enthusiasts can also prognosticate using the moistness of seaweed and pine cones as indicators. Keeping an eye out for the plump, pinkish brown waxwing, with its elegant plumage will be a bonus, whatever the weather brings.
