Lynford Water, Norfolk

A very bright dawn with icy conditions and a fresh easterly wind.  The day remained bright with a high of 4 degrees Celsius, somewhat milder than of late, however, the east wind  made it feel much colder.
I arrived at Lynford Water shortly after sunrise hoping to see if the recent wintry spell has brought in any winter Duck species.  I also wanted to check for evidence of Woodlark on suitable habitat near the water.
The relative shelter of the woodland by the car park produced singing Goldcrests.  A Marsh Tit was singing its distinctive "chip-chip-chip-chip-chip-chip-chip-chip" song.
Once on high ground overlooking Lynford Water, I could see about 40 Tufted Duck, also a bright looking duck by itself was a very smart looking male Goldeneye.  Even at range the dark head and , large white patch below the eye was highly distinctive.

40+ Tufted Duck present at Lynford Water (I love their 'giggling' like call).

Tufted Duck (female) on Lynford Water

Mallard on Lynford Water

Great Crested Grebe (One of a pair on Lynford Water)

Also on the water was a pair of Great Crested Grebes in their stunning breeding plumages.  Mallard, a few Teal, and two pairs of Greylag Geese were seen.  On one of the two 'Tern platforms' held a pair of Oystercatchers.
Checking known Woodlark habitat did not reveal any singing birds, however, walking along the close cropped heath-like grassland revealed a pair of Woodlarks together shuffling along the ground and feeding.
The Sallow habitat alongside the water produced 3 singing Reed Buntings, clearly, the large areas of inaccessible habitat will hold more birds.

Woodlark - one of a pair at Lynford Water.

This Woodlark, one of a pair together seen on the ground, shows a couple of useful identification features,  firstly, the small black and white patch on the wing which is so distinctive on this species, and secondly, the strong white supercillium which meets at the nape to form a shallow V is quite conspicuous.