Chiseldon Mud Flats

Having heard that there were a pair of Ruddy Shelduck at Chiseldon, I thought I'd have a go and see if I could locate them and maybe get a photo or two. But as normal as soon as I got there they were gone. Though to be honest I'm not a 100% sure of their location, but I presuming it was the flooded field on the right as you pass through the village along the main road.

Chiseldon Mudflats. No Ruddy Shelduck but plenty of other species.

No Shelduck but plenty of other species with a mixed flock of Linnets, Goldfinch, Yellowhammer and Corn Buntings. The majority of the flock though was made up of over 150 plus Linnet.  Also about a few Fieldfare, dozens of Redwing and a handful of Meadow Pipits. Along the edges of the water there were Blackbirds collecting mud for nests, Pied Wagtails catching insects and a pair of Chiffchaffs which were either catching flies just above the surface or were drinking. It was difficult to see as they moved so quickly through the air. These weren't the only Chiffchaffs as at least 3 more birds were heard singing in the hedgerow close-by as well as a Blackcap.

Chiffchaff hovering

And again

Feeding along the waters edge

Coming into land

Linnets

Linnets in the tree top

Fieldfare

Goldcrest

Dunnock

Also about but didn't stay were 4 Brambling and a few Chaffinches. In the bushes other than the Chiffchaffs were Robin, Dunnock and Wrens.

In total 23 species were seen: Pheasant, Woodpigeon, Meadow Pipit, Pied Wagtail, Starling, Magpie, Rook, Carrion Crow, Wren, Dunnock, Chiffchaff, Blackcap, Goldcrest, Robin, Blackbird, Fieldfare, Redwing, Blue Tit, Brambling, Chaffinch, Goldfinch, Linnet, Corn Bunting and Yellowhammer.