17th January - some snow last night. Today mostly cloudy, a litle thaw, light breeze, max 3C

About 2 cm of fluffy snow last night was a change.  For those in Barbados and Hawaii 'chilling' here's a proper picture of 'chilling', ha, ha.

The weather was obviously colder and deeper snow further north, this may have triggered some southward movement of Skylarks as I saw two flocks, c50 and 11, fly over the village during the morning.

During the afternoon I visited the local reservoir, not frozen over though.  12 Goosander were present and the males were behaving quite frisky.

All the other usual ducks were present, but surprisingly few Goldeneye.  14 Cormorant were fishing and a Grey heron was hunting the edge.  A single Snipe sat on the edge of the reed bed.  On the neighborouring field c150 Lapwing, Fieldfares, Starlings and at least 12 Carrion Crow were looking for food.

Three Siskin put in a brief visit, whilst Bullfinch, Goldcrest, Long-tailed Tits and other small birds search the bushes and hedgerow.  Both Green and great spotted Woodpecker were about.  At the feed station Tree Sparrows were in good numbers, c50.

Who can resist a 'cheeky' Robin, near the fishermens spot, no doubt where it picks up pieces.

In total 42 species were seen before the cloud started to deliver a little more snow.  Finally, a Munjac walked across the path in to cover, disappearing from view.