A LOCAL birder captured stunning shots of wildlife in Headington this week.

Tom Bedford, who visits the Lye Valley in Headington regularly every week, snapped a redwing, great spotted woodpecker and a red fox.

He said: “The Lye Valley in Headington is a very special habitat, cared for and protected by the volunteers of the Friends of Lye Valley.

“I visit this area a few times every week. Whilst other volunteers record the butterfly and plant species at the site, my expertise is in recording the bird species of this precious and threatened habitat.

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“On a winter’s morning, redwings can be seen feeding on hawthorn berries.

“Great spotted woodpeckers are common and will soon be excavating breeding holes.

“If you are lucky, you may also glimpse a red fox, warming itself in the morning sun.”

Oxford Mail: Redwing at the Lye Valley. Picture: Tom BedfordRedwing at the Lye Valley. Picture: Tom Bedford

Oxford Mail: Great spotted woodpecker. Picture: Tom BedfordGreat spotted woodpecker. Picture: Tom Bedford

Oxford Mail: The Lye Valley at dawn. Picture: Tom BedfordThe Lye Valley at dawn. Picture: Tom Bedford

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