Thompson Water, Norfolk

It appears we are now heading for record breaking temperature highs for January, this afternoons walk to Thompson Water reflected those conditions with a high of 12 degrees.  Although quite bright, the wind strength was increasing during this visit with a moderate to fresh south-westerly.
Thompson Water is looking quite clear at the moment, however, the spread since 2001 of Water Soldier will see a completely different look by summer with the water being totally carpeted by this unwelcome plant.  I understand from notices around this site that the Norfolk Wildlife Trust will be looking at ways of removing Water Soldier.

Thompson Water 25/01/16

Gone are the days of really impressive numbers of waterfowl at Thompson Water when hundreds of Teal, Wigeon, Pochard, and Tufted Duck wintered here.  Very cold weather will see cold weather duck species moving in, most notably Goosander and Goldeneye.
No high numbers of birds seen today, probably the most numerous duck being Gadwall with some Teal concealed within surface weed.  Larger species seen included 12 Mute Swans and 12 Greylag Geese.
The damp woodland habitat along the west side of the water held a single Chiffchaff, lots of Marsh Tits, Coal, Great, and Blue Tits.  A Great Spotted Woodpecker overflew the water to alight in a dead tree from where it called.  A Cormorant passed overhead.
The walk back to the car produced a single Kestrel.