Shorncote and Blakehill in the sun......

28 Dec - A frosty winter day for a walk at Shorncote, good views of winter thrushes - also the usual Water Rails and Cetti's Warblers calling from the reeds edge. Several Chiffchaffs feeding very actively, including the presumed Siberian Chiffchaff, a very pale bird with white underparts and a black bill.....I didn't hear it call though. Also 3 Little Egrets, flocks of Linnets and Skylarks, and a Grey Wagtail. The female Stonechat in its usual spot further along the path, and surprisingly 2 Dunlins on the edge of one of the newer pools. Late afternoon 3 Short-eared Owls were active again at Blakehill, hunting and sparring, but not really close enough for the camera. The car park here absolutely full, something I've not seen before.