When I arrived there was about 95% of the water covered by ice, with just the south-east section clear. In this section was a Little Grebe, 1 Cormorant (plus 2 more as I left), 3 Mute Swans (resident pair and interloper), a few Canada Geese, Mallard, 8 Gadwall (4 pairs), 2 Shoveler (the pair are back today!), 8 Tufted Duck (5f 3m), 3 Goosander (2m 1 f), 5 Moorhen and 13 Coot.
Further round and between the two islands there were a few more Canada Geese, Mallard, the Mallard x Indian Runner duck, 6 Moorhen, 40 Coot, 100+ Black-headed Gull, 13 Herring Gull (4 adult, 5 1st winter, 4 2nd winter), 4 adult Lesser Black-backed Gull and 1 Common Gull.
Around the banks there were 3 juvenile Mute Swans and 6 Canada Geese grazing, Wood Pigeon, Dunnock, Robin, Blackbird, 2 Goldcrest, 12+ Long-tailed Tit, 1 Coal Tit, Great Tit, Blue Tit, Wren, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Jackdaw, House Sparrow, 4 Chaffinch, Siskin and Goldfinch.
Below are a few images and a short video from this morning:
The Shoveler pair. The camouflaged pattern really blends in well with the background. Maybe this is why I didn't spot them yesterday.
Birds recorded were: 1 Little Grebe, 3 Cormorant, 6 Mute Swan (resident pair, 1 cob, 3 juv), 12 Canada Geese, Mallard, Mallard x Indian Runner duck, 8 Gadwall (4 pairs), 2 Shoveler (pair), 8 Tufted Duck (5f 3m), No Pochard, 3 Goosander (2m 1 f), 11 Moorhen, 53 Coot, 100+ Black-headed Gull, 13 Herring Gull (4 adult, 5 1st winter, 4 2nd winter), 4 adult Lesser Black-backed Gull, 1 Common Gull, Wood Pigeon, Dunnock, Robin, Blackbird, 2 Goldcrest, 12+ Long-tailed Tit, 1 Coal Tit, Great Tit, Blue Tit, Wren, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Jackdaw, House Sparrow, 4 Chaffinch, Siskin and Goldfinch.
Also 2 Grey Squirrels
Around the banks there were 3 juvenile Mute Swans and 6 Canada Geese grazing, Wood Pigeon, Dunnock, Robin, Blackbird, 2 Goldcrest, 12+ Long-tailed Tit, 1 Coal Tit, Great Tit, Blue Tit, Wren, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Jackdaw, House Sparrow, 4 Chaffinch, Siskin and Goldfinch.
Below are a few images and a short video from this morning:
Wintry sun over the lagoon
Canada Geese
A bit of a grab shot as this Little Grebe popped and disappeared just as quick.
A pair of Gadwall with the drake showing that distinct white speculum and chestnut and black portions on the wing coverts. Even the female is showing a small amount of chestnut.
A pair of Mallard brave the ice.
This Cormorant seemed to be doing well in the shallows..........
...........and was joined by this one and another.
One of three Cormorants at the lagoon today.
Several Coot make there way gingerly across the ice.
A 2nd winter Herring Gull
An adult winter Black-headed Gull
Just the one Common Gull today
Same Common Gull now facing the sun.
Birds recorded were: 1 Little Grebe, 3 Cormorant, 6 Mute Swan (resident pair, 1 cob, 3 juv), 12 Canada Geese, Mallard, Mallard x Indian Runner duck, 8 Gadwall (4 pairs), 2 Shoveler (pair), 8 Tufted Duck (5f 3m), No Pochard, 3 Goosander (2m 1 f), 11 Moorhen, 53 Coot, 100+ Black-headed Gull, 13 Herring Gull (4 adult, 5 1st winter, 4 2nd winter), 4 adult Lesser Black-backed Gull, 1 Common Gull, Wood Pigeon, Dunnock, Robin, Blackbird, 2 Goldcrest, 12+ Long-tailed Tit, 1 Coal Tit, Great Tit, Blue Tit, Wren, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Jackdaw, House Sparrow, 4 Chaffinch, Siskin and Goldfinch.
Also 2 Grey Squirrels