An exceptionally mild, dry morning with a short sharp shower as we finished the walk at 1300hrs. A brisk wind was churning up the water on the Trout Lake, but once in the lee of the wind, things calmed down significantly. Almost no insects about, but one hoverfly (Syrphus ribesii) braved the weather.
Scanning the trout lake from the anglers hut, cormorant, shoveler, coot, wigeon and mallard were soon ticked off. There was no movement on the river, but in a sheltered bay,
arguably the find of the day, 4 female type goosander. This was the first time this fish-eating duck had been seen by this group at this venue. A flock of goldfinch were calling overhead, and long-tailed tits flitted amongst the trees. A shy great-spotted woodpecker called frequently but remained hidden from view.
A circumnavigation of the west lake provided excellent (closer) views of gadwall and wigeon, the latter males just getting their golden head feathers: magic. Just a grey heron, no egrets today.
Turning away from the lake and into the wood, we pioneer a new path, thankful for finding the bridge across the swamp. However, no sign of the lesser-spotted woodpeckers which appear to have moved away from this area.
A good outing in some new surroundings, recording 26 species, enjoyed by Richard, Ivan, Marie, Rob & Margaret, David & Veronica, and Tony.