Cotesbach Landfill; the Shelduck and two Pochard were still present, otherwise nothing new in the rain. A Snipe was seen flying off.
Husbands Bosworth sandpit; a look in the pool area at the lane junction whilst passing. Teal, 22, Mallard, Tufted Duck, single Shoveler and Little Grebe.
Stanford Reservoir; late afternoon, the four Black-necked Grebes were feeding in their favourite weed area with ducks and Mute Swans. Four Shoveler flew in to Blowers Lodge Bay.
Willey; this morning, to the west of the village, two Ravens were on their regular circuit of the Sheep fields, a Kestrel flew over, whilst Rooks and Jackdaws made their way to feeding areas. A Green Woodpecker called near the spinney..
Cotesbach Landfill; a look here after lunch, new birds included a Shelduck and seven Pochard.
The 'Nordic' Jackdaw was showing well, I have a suspicion there may be two, but need to see them at the same time to be sure. Teal and Shoveler were present as usual. A couple of Red Kite were seen, probably more over the far side of the landfill.
Well, at last the winter Solstice, so slowly daylight will lengthen - great.
No time for obs today, although I did notice a Kestrel on the telegraph wires along the lane near the Claybrooke Magna mill brook.
WIlley; a check of my feed station near mid-day, not too many visitors today. A Coal Tit and Tree Sparrow, single Great Spotted Woodpecker, four Collard Doves were noted, plus the usual Blue and Great Tits plus House Sparrows.
Shawell Lagoons; a look this morning, about 70 Lapwings, four Cormorants, six Teal and single Great Crested Grebe were notable.
Cotesbach Landfill; in the sandpit area were 175 Lapwing (usually at the lagoons but the lower water here makes it more favourable), Teal and Shoveler, Red Kite and a few Gulls as usual.
WIlley; first thing a Raven was flying westward over the fields.
Shawell Lagoons; a look here this morning, c300 Lapwings, a couple of Cormorant, Teal, Tufted Duck, a Great Crested Grebe, two Snipe on show and c 200Gulls.
Cotesbach landfill; very quite here except for 55 Teal and 15 Shoveler.
Stanford Hall; a look across the park and lake on the way to the reservoir. There was seven Little Grebes on the lake, along with the usual duck and Geese.
Stanford reservoir; Four Black-necked Grebes still, Kingfisher at outlet flew off along the river. All the usual wintering Ducks, including three Goldeneye and two Teal. Grey and three Pied Wagtails and a Meadow Pipit on the dam. Four Lesser Redpoll were feeding on the weedy area, Bullfinch in the bushes nearby and a Great Spotted Woodpecker was heard.
Cotesbach landfill; late afternoon, 61 Teal, 19 Shoveler.
Starling roost; checked the roost site, it has moved a little further to a close new area, estimated 20000 coming in. Not much murmuration before dropping in to roost. Two Sparrowhawk hunting as Starlings come in to roost. Some quick phone pics today.
