First birds recorded this morning were, as ever, several species of tit, namely Blue, Great, Coal and Long-tailed Tit. Woodpigeons were numerous in the surrounding woodlands as were Robins, Wrens, Blackbirds, Dunnocks and Chaffinches. A single Jay was noted along with a Great-spotted Woodpecker. More unusual sightings were a hunting Kestrel by the top reservoir and a small group of Redwing which were feeding in the holly bushes.
Redwing
There was a bit of a breeze on the water today and as a result, many of the waterbirds were a little trickier to find. Between us though, we did manage to find and record the following birds: Mallard (71), Tufted Duck (16), Mandarin Duck (28), Coot (8), Moorhen (5), Cormorant (3), Grey Heron (2), Little Grebe (1), Grey Wagtail (2), Pied Wagtail (1) Black-headed Gull (24) and Kingfisher (1).
I was particularly pleased with the Kingfisher record as this is the 6th sighting this year, by far the most since recording started back in 2006. I don't know if this is down to increased experience in locating this species, or whether there has been an actual increase in the number of birds using the reservoirs. Whatever the reason, its very nice to see and long may it continue! Hopefully next year we can prove breeding and get a photograph.
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