No Surprises

My WeBS count today at Nythe Pool was just a paltry pair of Mallards. And that's not a personal gripe at Mallards as they looked quite serene as they sat on a log in the afternoon sun. I had expected to see the resident Moorhens and maybe a Grey Heron, but the last few days of rain has meant that for the Moorhens at least, they have had to find high ground for awhile.

Mallards

Other species which were quite noticeable were at least 5 Robins singing and three tit species competing for mates. There were also a good 6 or more Blackbirds and good numbers of Wood Pigeons. On the mammal front two Grey Squirrels in the woods.

One of several Robins in good voice

And also several Blackbirds foraging in the leaf litter.

There must have been a good 20+ Wood Pigeons around the pool this afternoon.

The reason for the Title "No Surprises". Well nothing ever changes, the pool is absolutely filthy with empty bottles, tins, cans, rubbish bags, plastic bins and well you name it, it's in there. And have the Environmental Agency been back to tackle it, well no! I showed them the sorry state it was in before Christmas and it's still in a sorry state.

A fair bit of water flowing into the pool

Which has flooded the reed beds and consequently the Moorhens have found a safe haven elsewhere.

Rubbish

And more................

Bird Species Recorded: 2 Mallard, 20+ Wood Pigeon, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Dunnock, 5 Robin, 6 Blackbird, 1 Goldcrest, 3 Long-tailed Tit, 4 Great Tit, 2 Blue Tit, 1 Wren, 5 Magpie, 4 Carrion Crow, 12+ House Sparrow, 2 Goldfinch. Also 2 Grey Squirrels.