Saturday 2nd January 2010

My first blog post since May. 2009 was a very busy year with me starting a new job in April and then our 5th child being born at the end of October. Good news is things are hopefully settling down so I can start to get out and about again in 2010.

Today I was out for 3 hours, 10 until 1pm. It was very icy. Alders was three quarters iced over and Little Lunsford (where there has been two Goldeneye in recent weeks completely iced over)

A Jay flew in front of me as I walked around Alders quickly followed by two Sparrowhawk that proceeded to gain height and circle the lake. I heard a Kingfisher call here but couldn't find it.

Back around to the Mill stream lake where there were several Siskin in the Alders. A good selection of water birds including Gadwall, Shoveler, Pochard and good numbers of Tufted Duck. a female Bullfinch gave good views close by.

Best sighting was a Red Head Smew on Abbey Mead - although distant it gave good views in the sunshine, diving constantly.

Around Abbey Mead and towards the river which held several Teal. A Grey Wagtail also flew over and a Kestrel hovered.

Back around Abbey Mead and through the West Scrub where I added my only winter thrush of the visit with a small flock of Redwing.