5th Jan - high cloud, sunny spells pm, 9C, light SSW

Shawell lagoons; a look here first. A couple of Cormorant, c30 Lapwing, 15 Teal, a single drake Pochard with the Tufted Duck flock, one Grey Heron.  A Green Woodpecker called from the banks nearby.
A Mistle Thrush was singing over the road at the Tripontium site.

Cotesbach Landfill; arrived just in time to see the Kumlien's Gull on the water, before it flew of NW.  otherwise few Gulls as no tipping today.  Shoveler 28, Teal 34, a hunting Kestrel and 12 Red Kites.

Draycote reservoir; I decide to visit here this afternoon and stay for the Gull roost.  Lots of Great-crested and Little Grebes, Goldeneye and Tufted Duck, 8 Goosander and 2 Greater Scaup.  Apart from other common species little was about.

The Gull roost is a sight to behold, with several thousand returning here to roost.  Viewing conditions can be challenging, you have to focus on a particular area depending on the light and wind, to get the best views.  Chatting to the regular roost watchers is it interesting to hear of the skills they have developed to watch this large water. I never realised so many Common Gulls roosted there, quite outstanding.