I took a little wander among the showers this afternoon and found some of the species we’d not managed to get on the SDOS walk last Saturday. As I started down the track a Mistle Thrush was singing nearby, then a Water Rail squealed and scuttled across from the near to far side of the first pond and a Greenfinch wheezing in a tree. On the rather deserted water to the west two Great Crested Grebes were displaying (if they’d started to build a nest it was probably under water now), and there was a small group of Tufted Ducks and Gadwall, plus a Mallard or two. More Coots on the east side and a pair of Little Grebes (had heard one calling from about here on Saturday). Back at the ponds and at least three Chiffchaffs flitting around and presumably the female Grey Wagtail. Mistle Thrush singing again.

Val Bentley, 1st March 2024