An exotic on the patch.

Reed Bunting in typical pose 11th March

Another Chiffchaff found in song this morning near Thompson, my second bird in as many days on the patch.
A walk around Thompson this morning also produced 4 singing Reed Buntings and a number of singing Yellowhammers.
Two pairs of Little Grebes were found on pools where there was much chasing and calling going on.  Close by 2 Kingfishers were seen.
Two Water Rails were heard giving their distinctive pig-like squeal within dense, rank vegetation around pools.
A single Woodcock was put up in Birch woodland where it was concealed in bracken understorey.
Two Tawny Owls called and a pair of Kestrels were seen.
To brighten up the early greyness within woodland a pair of Mandarin Ducks flew into view, the female was seen first showing her distinctive bespectacled feature, then the spectacular male joined here, a very exotic looking duck species.   Most of this observation was of the birds perched high in trees within open woodland habitat.
A good range of common species also seen and heard included a number of singing Treecreepers, Nuthatch, singing Goldcrests, at least 4 'drumming' Great Spotted Woodpeckers. 
Three singing Marsh Tits were seen or heard along with other common Tit species.
Three pairs of Bullfinches were either seen or heard giving their simple piping call.