Shorncote patch

9 Nov - An early morning visit, briefly sunny and frosty before the rain set in for the day..... A lot of bird activity, including good numbers of Redwings and Fieldfares erupting from the berry-laden bushes, Kingfisher, Green Sandpiper, 3 Snipe, 3 Grey Wagtails, Green Woodpecker, a pair of Shoveler, Little and Great Crested Grebes, 3 Goldcrests, a Stonechat, 6-8 singing Cetti's Warblers, and best of all 6-8 Water Rail calling, with at least 4 heard in the new cut area in front of hide 2, and one emerged briefly into the open to cross a channel and allow itself to be photographed..... 2 Cetti's also seen from the hide. Promising! After a beautiful, chilly, misty start the weather deteriorated steadily and rain set in as forecast. Also 7 Roe Deer seen in the low early sunlight.