Flooded Shorncote....

29 Dec - A fine sunny afternoon after the recent rains, Shorncote flooded with the path under 9" of water, but very productive birdwise - large numbers of Teal seen in flight (7-8), at least 5 Water Rails, 2 Green Sandpipers in flight, 4 Little Egrets with 7 Grey Herons in a flooded ditch, a Raven over to roost, 2 Cetti's Warblers including one that posed just long enough for a bad record shot (10), a Grey Wagtail, flocks of Redwings and Fieldfares, Reed Buntings, at least 20 Meadow Pipits and 2-3 Chiffchaffs. My first sighting of the Barn Owl in months (11-14), when it emerged just after 4pm in the twilight. Photos JM.