SCANDINAVIAN ARCTIC REDPOLL still present at Coronation

SUNDAY 16 JANUARY

Another very windy day, with blustery SW winds bringing moist moderately mild conditions. It did just about remain dry during daylight hours but was generally grey and dull.

I took the opportunity to do a full count at the reservoirs and was impressed by the number of wildfowl and waders had returned since the freeze. Lapwings were in impressive numbers, whilst other highlights were a redhead Goosander and 4 Little Egrets........

BIDWELL (BEDFORDSHIRE)

My first Beds LITTLE EGRET of the year was feeding in a brook south of the Thorn turn at TL 008 247.

CORONATION PIT, KEMPSTON HARDWICK (BEDFORDSHIRE)
(O & M Developers, who own and manage the site, refuse permission for birders to visit because of Health & Safety issues)

All 43 redpolls still present and showing well in the Silver Birch trees at the NW corner of the pit, including the well-marked first-winter SCANDINAVIAN ARCTIC REDPOLL and at least 5 grey MEALY REDPOLLS. In reality, I believe virtually all of the flock are Mealy Redpolls.

Sadly, like many of the Stewartby Area Brickpits, this site is STRICTLY PRIVATE with no permissive footpaths nor access.

FLITWICK SEWAGE TREATMENT WORKS (BEDFORDSHIRE)

A drake Shoveler was the only bird present.

Again, the last hour of daylight was spent searching for both Little and Barn Owls but without success