An interesting hybrid between a Pochard X Ferruginous Duck,was first seen yesterday on Abbey Meads.

Other birds of note seen in the area - Green Sandpiper (2), river,Bittern (1),Abbey Meads,Common Buzzard,Sparrowhawk,Woodcock,west scrub,Wigeon (2) Allders lake,Blackcap,west scrub,

In general wildfowl numbers are low at present.No hard weather duck have been seen so far,such as Smew,Goldeneye or Goosander.There are no Siskin or Redpolls in the Alders.Only a few of Novembers rather late influx of Redwings and Fieldfare remain.

Over the past few years I have had a small flock of wintering Reed Buntings feeding in our garden.
This winter the first bird arrived on December 4th,at least two weeks later than last year,At present we have up to four birds (if the weather over the next few weeks turns colder,with snow,we can expect the numbers to increase.

Blackcap,we usually have 1-2 of these wintering in the garden,but as of yet,no sightings.