A select party of 3 intrepid birders joined leader Jeff Davies ( normally backmarker and whipper-in ) , on this blustery, finger-chilling and sometimes wet October walk . Assembling first in the shelter of the hide the species list soon climbed , as the usual tits and finches were at the feeders and several duck species , Snipe and Lapwings were on the shore.
It was decided to head for Chapel Bay first in the hope of seeing Pintail and Goldeneye that were reputedly present . These remained elusive but we did spot a colourful Mandarin Duck amonst the Mallards and Teal from the North Car Park .We then retraced our footsteps and strolled along towards the Carr Pond area where black clouds were looming once again !!
By the time we got back, although not a long jaunt , 43 species had been seen , a lone Buzzard circling at the last concluding an enjoyable morning .
Great Crested Grebe , Little Grebe , Cormorant , Grey Heron , Mallard , Teal , Tufted Duck , Shoveler , Wigeon , Mandarin Duck , Canada Goose , Greylag Goose , Mute Swan , Buzzard , Nuthatch , Moorhen , Coot , Lapwng , Common Snipe , Lesser Black-backed Gull , Yellow -legged Gull , Black- headed Gull , Woodpigeon , Great Spotted Woodpecker , Rook , Carrion Crow , Jackdaw , Magpie , Jay , Blue Tit , Great Tit , Long-tailed Tit , Wren , Blackbird , Mistle Thrush , Robin , Dunnock , Pied Wagtail, Goldfinch , Chaffinch , Greenfinch , Bullfinch , Reed Bunting .
Jennifer Johnson