February 1st

Very strong westerly winds today with clear skies, made birding very difficult and most of the wildfowl could be found sheltering on the small pool. A flock of 27 Siskin were feeding on the alders along the northern shore, also 2 Coal tits, 14 Long-tailed tits, and several Redwing. A sparrowhawk was hunting along the railway line, and a Green Woodpecker was along the eastern bank. Wildfowl counts were, Canada Goose 20, Greylag Goose 2, Mallard 48, Coot 85, Tufted Duck 29, Wigeon 67, Pochard 71, Little Grebe 10, Great Crested Grebe 8, Mute Swan 4, Moorhen 7. One lone Tree Sparrow was found in the horse paddock with a small finch flock mixed with Goldfinch, Chaffinch and Greenfinch and a flock of 37 Wood Pigeon.(SS)