This weekend was very wet and chilly. We decided to spend a couple of hour’s bird watching in the shelter of the comfortable Big Waters hides.
On the feeders, the resident Tree Sparrows were very vocal today. Like last year, Willow Tits could be seen easily alongside the Blue and Great Tits. There was no sign of any Coal Tits today. Almost a dozen Moorhens were trying their best to extract seeds from the feeders, at times appearing very comical. There was also a single Great Spotted Woodpecker.
The pond itself was alive with hundreds of Wigeon, over 20 Gadwall and a single female Goldeneye. We enjoyed great views of an energetic female Scaup. This was often accompanied by a female Tufted. There was no sign of any Whooper Swans, with only the resident Mute Swans present.
A Grey Heron and some Cormorants relaxed on the island in front of the first hide, often chasing off nearby Common and Black-headed Gulls. The Bittern did not put in an appearance and we didn’t hear any Water Rails.
Paul & Adriana Buskin
