Thursday, January 31, 2008

January 2008 update

Having been away for much of January, I've done little watching locally, but (as is to be expected at this time of year) there's been very little to report.

The Reservoirs have been quiet but for the adult Great Black-backed Gull (present since December 2007), an odd Green Sandpiper and a pair of Red Crested Pochards last week. (The latter are regular in autumn, but unpredictable at other times of year).

Clissold Park has held a Brambling, feeding with a small Chaffinch flock, in the deer enclosure for the last week or so. Although a regular occurence in the area, especially in the late autumn and early winter, very few tend to hang around.

Coverage of all local sites will increase, and a more concerted effort from myself and other local observers will hopefully produce a more accurate winter picture.

Mark