December 16th 2011

Bob and I had a Shag at the pond this morning (iv waited months to write that).
Before your eyes water it was a first winter swimming to the small island before hauling its self out and resting among the Cormorants. The 3 Pintails were very mobile including at least one attempt to leave when they were watched flying towards Northamptonshire before returning to settle off the outlet. Both female Red-breasted Merganser and Common Scoter were still present and the only other birds of note were many Fieldfare and Redwing feeding in the hedgerow, 4 Lesser Redpoll in the country park, 110 Golden Plover over toft, single Dunlin, 6 Buzzard and a distant Peregrine.
Out in the afternoon to Brandon Marsh with Dave but not a lot about, best were Coal Tit, 2 Marsh Tit and 2 Treecreeper.
The Mute Swan flock had increased at Bretford but could not stop due to flow of traffic.

Richard