An early morning visit produced a female 'redhead' Goosander flying a circuit around the water before descending into surface weed. The presence of this 'sawbill' species highlights the fact that we are not done with winter yet. Also seeking cover within the surface weed was c.20 Teal. In more open water was 3 Mute Swans and a pair of Mallard.
A small flock of Redpolls were seen feeding amongst the finer twigs of a Silver Birch tree close to the waters edge. Also noted in the woodland habitat around the water was Treecreeper, Marsh Tit, and Goldcrest.
MERTON
On my way home I stopped at Merton village hall, this wonderful small site is an absolute haven for birdlife with much habitat for cover and feeding.
A gathering of 30+ Tree Sparrows was a very encouraging find. This area has always been good for Tree Sparrows, both for wintering and breeding at.
THREXTON and LITTLE CRESSINGHAM
An afternoon walk produced very close views of a single Common Buzzard along Church Lane where it was passing slowly above a large flock of sheep, presumably the bird was either looking for a dead animal, or a tasty Rabbit.
Very interestingly, this walk produced a total of about 20 Bullfinches in varying sized flocks - an encouraging number of birds.
2 Kestrels flew north at North Bridge.
All in all this was a good day with encouraging counts of Tree Sparrows and Bullfinches.
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