Cotswolds and CWP

30 Dec - The seemingly endless low cloud and murk of the last few days cleared to stunning low winter sunshine, too nice to be indoors ........an afternoon trip to the Cotswolds, very good numbers of Fieldfares and Redwings en route. Up to 6 Short-eared Owls seen hunting in the afternoon sun, with some quite close views at times, birds also seen perched. Always charismatic birds to watch (and photograph), I never tire of them. A quick stop off at CWP in the morning produced a flock of 9 Pintail at Eysey alongside good numbers of Teal, and ones and twos of Goosander on various pits. No Smew yet though, it's not been cold enough.