Very enjoyable coffee on the balcony this morning as the skies above us were busy with birds flying over. A distant flock of 40 ducks emerged to be Wigeon as they got nearer, flying up from the Levels northward followed by another group of about 25. Next up flying right over the house was a mixed flock of about 30 Fieldfares and Redwing, the former being the majority making the familiar ‘chacking’ noise while Redwings were ‘tseeping’ as they flew over. A Meadow Pipit flew overhead as well. In general, the garden seems to be getting busier with birds at the feeder now with numbers of Blue Tits, Greenfinches and most pleasing of all Chaffinches with the biggest number last week reaching 12. (MR)