End of year round-up

With year coming to a close,late December hasn't produced any more for the patch list but a female Teal was seen on the 17th

Teal on lake

The feeders continue to attract good numbers of tits and at least two Water Rails have been mopping up whatever get dropped.

Water Rail under feeders

The orchards around the lake were filled with winter thrushes this morning as well as a large flock of Starlings and 200 plus Linnets.

                                                             One of the many Fieldfares

So to the year itself- which all in all hasn't been a bad one.With two species added to the patch list,namely GREENSHANK and ALPINE SWIFT.

The year started well with Waxwings in the village and then Greenshank and Alpine Swift were seen in May as were Shelduck(only the third patch record).

September saw the arrival of the long staying Osprey which attracted birders and photographers from far and wide.

                                                                 Long staying Osprey

November saw four Hawfinches fly towards Sprivers.

Finally, a Barn Owl was seen in December( the first since 2014).

The patch total ended at 110 which is a great number,though 7 short of my record.

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU ALL AND GOOD BIRDING IN 2018!!!!

the winter thrush numbers have increased of late which in turn has meant more Redwings in the garden.

                                                            Redwings in the garden

Enjoying the holly berries

Joined by a Blackbird

The lake continues to disappoint although today there were 14 Mandarins.

Yesterday evening I decided on a walk just before dark and was delighted to see a BARN OWL(110) out hunting. This is the first record of  this beautiful bird since 2014.

On 1st of the month,whilst filling the feeders,a Woodcock flew out of the wood and landed in the orchard and another was seen on the 10th.It seems to be a good year for this species!

I'm going to need a few more birds on the lake to get a really good total on the year list.