Thompson Water 15 November 2025

 Following yesterdays heavy and persistent rainfall, the short drive from my home to Thompson Water saw much surface water on the roads and some tree debris too.  It was dull and grey at dawn, and in fact it remained this way for the day with poor quality light and at times reduced visibility due to light rain and drizzle.  The wind was a moderate easterly.

I arrived at Thompson Water at 0700, some 16 minutes prior to sunrise, the immediate damp woodland carr here held many calling Blackbirds, a Marsh Tit, and a mobile flock of Long-tailed Tits which also included a further two Marsh Tits, Blue Tits, and two Goldcrests.

Once at the waterside it was apparent that Mallard (277+) were present in good  numbers, along with about 10 Shoveler, many Gadwall, and several Teal which in included an arrival of 35+ of this diminutive duck.  About 10 Wigeon were present and occasionally the beautiful whistle-like call was heard.  Two Grey Herons were standing motionless in the shallows and in the reedbed scrub at least 3 Cetti's Warblers were singing and a Water Rail called.  

A sudden clatter of wings and the erratic departure of many Wood Pigeons immediately indicated to me the presence of a raptor. looking beyond the Pigeons I saw a Goshawk leisurely pass from left to right before disappearing silently out of sight.  

At around sunrise (although quite dark due to cloud cover), the first of a number of Crossbills were seen with a bird passing directly overhead calling it distinctive hard and repeated "chip" call.  Crossbills were seen or heard throughout the visit either passing overhead or perched in the top of tall conifers.

Another encounter between a ♀ Goshawk and Wood Pigeons was seen, a similar scenario as before with an erratic departure of pigeons, this was followed by the Goshawk singling out a Wood Pigeon which was missing its tail, the pigeon had a lucky escape and lived to fly another day.

The highlight of the morning was the arrival of 2 ♂♂ Goosanders onto the water, these stunning sawbills were quite conspicuous amongst the other duck species with their initial black and white appearance and large size, however, watching these beautiful birds the main features noted was the very dark, glossy green head which is clearly demarcated from the white neck and the slim bill which has a tiny hook at the tip. The breast and underparts are white with just a hint of a pinkish flush.  The back was black. The Goosanders would keep to the surface of the water and occasionally would submerge their heads to look for food. 

Male Goosanders on Thompson Water 15 November 2025

Thrushes were well represented by several Redwings, a single Fieldfare eating berries in a Hawthorn, Song Thrush, Mistle Thrush, and 10+ Blackbirds high in Birch trees with Redwings, clearly these Blackbirds were migrants from Northern Europe.

Finally, it was good to meet up with friend Sarah Harris and her beautiful dog 'Digger', Sarah as recently taken up the position of editor for the British Birds journal. Well done Sarah 👍