Thompson Water and Threxton, Norfolk

Thompson Water 0730-0900
This was my first visit to Thompson Water this year.  The summer nuisance that is Water Soldier has  given way to mostly open water, although patches of this plant exists.

Waterside habitat at Thompson Water 10/01/16

On the water there was 10 Mute Swans (adults and juveniles), a few Gadwall, a couple of Wigeon, and Coot and Moorhen. A single Cormorant overhead.
The damp woodland habitat along the west side of the water held many Blue Tits, most visiting a feeding station.  Also noted was Marsh Tit, Great Tit, Coal Tit, Nuthatches and Treecreeper.  A Chiffchaff was heard.
The walk back to the village of Thompson produced Bullfinch and Kestrel.

Threxton 
A mid to late afternoon visit to the STW initially produced a familiar figure walking towards me down the hill, it was birding friend Mick Saunt.  We had a nice chat about was has been seen locally, as well as enjoying the numerous Goldcrests in the area.  A single Buzzard was seen in a small tree across the valley.
After a nice meeting with Mick I then walked along the lane to as far as Woodcock Hall where several Gulls were loafing around floodwater in the valley.

One of the many Goldcrests seen at Threxton 10/01/16

I later arrived back at the STW where it was apparent that good numbers of Goldcrests were still present, at an estimate I would say there was between 20 and 30 birds, and that was from the roadside habitat only. These diminutive birds were typically hyper-active as they searched various bushes and thickets for small insect/spider prey.  A party of Long-tailed Tits passed through and at least one Chiffchaff was present and calling.
As I drove home towards Watton, a Little Owl flew across the road in front of me.