After a so-so year and a little time off working, a new job required a few weeks in Northern Germany near the Harz mountains. This trip involved two weekends left to my own devices, so I planned some outings and did a little research.

I received some advice on where might be good for birding. Unfortunately my research didn't extend to the likely weather conditions in the mountains. My plans were trashed when I travelled there to find the afternoon temperatures around -12c. There...