In fact the only real change was that the Little Grebe seems to have gone. However, I did come across my first Bullfinch of the year on the northern tip of South Island. My initial thought was that it was a Kingfisher as it sat on a branch above the pool, but through the bins I could see it clearly wasn't. I've not seen to many here before, so this male was welcome addition to my year list.
On the water the 2 resident Mute Swans continue to chase the interloper around the lagoon, while the juveniles seem quite content to sit on the bank. The 2 Shovelers are still present, as are the 3 pairs of Gadwall and 20+ Tufted Ducks.
On the gull front, lots of Black-headed Gulls, 7 Herring Gulls and just 2 Common Gulls (1 down on yesterday).
Around the banks a small party of Siskins and Goldfinches in the Alders, and in the hedgerows several Dunnock, Robins and House Sparrows.
I can't remember if I've mentioned this before, but there is an interesting relationship beginning to appear on the lagoon, between Coots, Black-headed Gulls and Gadwall. It's quite simple really the Coot dives down, brings up weed and the Black-headed Gulls and Gadwalls feed on the loose bits. In fact if you look around the lagoon you will see several individual Coots with either a Black-headed Gull or/and a Gadwall in close attendance. Certainly not something I've noticed before.
Some images from today:-
And here is a short video showing the Coot bringing up weed, which the Gadwalls and Black-headed Gulls seem to be benefiting from.
Birds Recorded: 1 Great Crested Grebe, Little Grebe not seen, Mute Swan, Canada Geese, Mallard, Mallard x Indian Runner, 6 Gadwall (3 pairs), 2 Shoveler, 20+ Tufted Duck, Moorhen, Coot, Black-headed Gull, 7 Herring Gull, 2 Common Gull, Wood Pigeon, Pied Wagtail, Dunnock, Robin, Blackbird, Song Thrush, Long-tailed Tit, Great Tit, Blue Tit, Wren, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Jackdaw, House Sparrow, Chaffinch, Siskin, Goldfinch and 1 male Bullfinch
A lone Great Crested Grebe waits patiently for a mate!
These 2 Shovelers are quite at home here on the lagoon, but tend to stay close to the islands.
Just 1 of the 3 pairs of Gadwall present at the moment.
A bit of a mêlée as the Black-headed Gulls zoom in on some offerings.
Youngsters, adults its a free for or all.
An adult Herring Gull
2nd winter Herring Gull
1st winter Herring Gull
1 of the 2 Common Gulls here today.
Birds Recorded: 1 Great Crested Grebe, Little Grebe not seen, Mute Swan, Canada Geese, Mallard, Mallard x Indian Runner, 6 Gadwall (3 pairs), 2 Shoveler, 20+ Tufted Duck, Moorhen, Coot, Black-headed Gull, 7 Herring Gull, 2 Common Gull, Wood Pigeon, Pied Wagtail, Dunnock, Robin, Blackbird, Song Thrush, Long-tailed Tit, Great Tit, Blue Tit, Wren, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Jackdaw, House Sparrow, Chaffinch, Siskin, Goldfinch and 1 male Bullfinch