Caspian Gulls!

An early morning walk around the reserve starting from Springfield Bridge where a flock of c150 Linnets, c100 Stock Doves, c50 Chaffinches with a few Greenfinches and Reed Buntings were feeding in the Sunflower field. They frequently disturbed by the resident Kestrel, a Marsh Harrier and a Common Buzzard, also 2 Ravens over. Hay field 3 held a Great White Egret, Little Egret and a Grey Heron. Dengemarsh held the usual wildfowl. At Christmas Dell a red head Smew was notable and 2 Common Snipe, a Green Woodpecker was behind the hide. Despite scrutinising all the hay fields I was  unable to locate yesterdays Water Pipit. Burrowes held the usual wildfowl but no Goosander or Smew, also no sign of any Long-eared Owls at the Dipping Pool. Round Hookers a couple of Bearded Tits were calling as was a couple of Cetti's Warblers, a Chiffchaff was on the island. Another Chiffchaff was by the corale along with a Stonechat and another Great White Egret. The Ring-necked Duck was still on Cook's Pool.

This afternoon the Slavonian Grebe was still at the Boulderwall end of the New Diggings.

 The regular 1w Caspian Gull

This afternoon at the fishing boats with Mick and Richard the regular 1w Caspian Gull was joined by a second bird, a first winter Little Gull put in a brief appearance, a drake Eider flew down channel, a few each of Red-throated Diver, Gannet, Guillemot and Kittiwake were tooing and froing off shore.

 1w Little Gull

 A different 1w Caspian Gull