Jan 1 - A surprisingly good list of 87 species recorded today despite the cloudy, windy and damp weather. First stop was the CWP and the recently-arrived Smew were still present, 2 drakes and 3 redheads. Surprisingly, I saw a Treecreeper on Jan 1 for the first time in a few years.....
Shorncote was productive as usual, Water Rail, Cetti's Warbler and Grey Wagtail all present along with Little Egret, Redwings/Fieldfares, 3 Chiffchaffs and the female Stonechat.
Next stop en route to Slimbridge was the somewhat unprepossessing Sharpness dock - a regular wintering ground for Black Redstart, this year an adult male being present. A bonus here was a Peregrine perched on one of the silos.
Slimbridge was excellent, all the expected birds being seen - large flocks of Golden Plover and Lapwing, Dunlin and a Little Stint - the recent cold snap has reduced the numbers of waders but small numbers of Black-tailed Godwits and Redshank present. A superb Marsh Harrier glided over the Dumbles and another Peregrine flushed the wildfowl flocks. Bewick's Swan numbers are up to nearly 200 in the cold weather. The female Ferruginous Duck that arrived 3 days ago was in the Asian Pen, giving close views.
Final stop via Goosander in the Water Park was Blakehill - too windy for SEOs but a brief view of the female Merlin.
A successful day!
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