17th March - rain un til nearly mid-day, another 12mm, saturating the ground. Sunny spells and warm, 15C during the afternoon.

Stanford reservoir; afternoon.

After the rain the reservoir is very 'discoloured' again due to the river flowing through bring the run-off straight in.  This make it unfavourable for the ducks as it becomes difficult feeding conditions.  

so, I was surprised to find 8 Pintails (4m/4f) resting on the water.  Also, 8 Goldeneye.

For me,  a count 8 is good for here, only once before and the only higher count is of 10. both in the autumn.  

Here's some data of my Pintails obs here since Sept 2011, excluding todays count..