It was time to carry out the Area 4 first winter survey this weekend, or I’d be running the risk of the ire of Mr Nigel Colgate. Starting out in thick fog was not ideal for counting every bird present in my patch, but the sun soon appeared and it turned out quite pleasant in the end. Nothing too out of the ordinary noted, but highlights included finally seeing my first Green Woodpecker of the year (why do I always take so long to get this species on my year list?), a Little Egret by the tank track and two Goldcrests in a fir tree where West End and Lawyers Lanes meet, providing decent views .