5th March - ground frost last night. sunny intervals, stready mod/breezy SW, 10C

Willey; a small mixed flock of Fieldfare, Redwing and Starlings were feeding on pasture to the east first thing.

Stanford reservoir; a walk along the Leicestershire side after lunch. A Sparrowhawk was circling, and a couple of Buzzards were around too.  The usual duck were on the water, but no Wigeon seen, 4 Goosanders were present.  A Little Grebe was 'trilling' on the far side.  On the Northants bank 3 Great White Egrets were feeding and sitting around.
A Water Rail was feeding along the board walk in the main reed bed.
A flock of c25 Chaffinch were feeding on the ground along the river by-pass, 4 Stock Doves were feeding on the adjacent field.