Thompson, Norfolk

At dawn today I visited the damp woodland carr around Thompson Water.  Following yesterdays very bright conditions, today was the opposite with full cloud cover and very poor light, especially during my time at Thompson.

Siskin (male) at Thompson 07/02/15

Despite the very dull conditions, a noticeable feature of this visit was hearing a number of species in song in order to affirm their territories for the forthcoming breeding season.
A least 3 Marsh Tits were singing their repetitive "chip-chip-chip-chip-chip" song.  This is a very common Breckland species.  A number of Great Tits were also heard as was Coal Tit.
A couple of Song Thrushes were singing, also, its larger cousin, the Mistle Thrush also delivered song.  Mistles Thrushes in folklore are known as 'Stormcocks', this being due to them singing prior to the onset of, and during bad weather.  A pair of Great Spotted Woodpeckers were seen with 'drumming' being occasionally heard. 
This male Siskin was also heard in song.  This species breeds in small numbers on my Breckland patch, the vast majority however, will be winter visitors from Northern Europe.
Finally, a check over the Thompson Water produced lots of Teal, however, most were in surface weed and a count could not be done.