Friday February 2

I was joined by Richard B this morning, and for a change I took him for a walk around this patch.

It was a very pleasant sunny morning, and t didn't take long before we were watching a good-sized party of birds in the little copse at Winyates Green. About 35 Siskins were feeding in the alders with at least four Lesser Redpolls, these being a welcome patch year tick.

Lesser Redpoll

We reached Ipsley Alders and really just saw more of the same there. From there we walked along the course of the Blacksoils Brook towards Arrow Valley Lake.

Starling

More birds were singing this morning, including the above Starling.

At Arrow Valley Lake we bumped into Trevor Jones who was hoping to see the Lesser Spotted Woodpecker. The lake contained the usual selection of waterfowl including two Little Egrets and three Shovelers. Most Great Crested Grebes are now in breeding plumage, and three Grey Herons are now on nests.

Great Crested Grebe

Walking back through the country park we happened upon a very showy singing Goldcrest. It was frustratingly hard to do it justice with the camera, and I only managed one shot.

Goldcrest

Back at Ipsley Alders we saw more Goldcrests, a Sparrowhawk, and a couple of Treecreepers.