We arrived at around 12.00pm, for the afternoon shift, and were surprised by just how mild the weather seemed to be. In fact, the temperatures remained constant at around 10°C throughout the rest of the day.
The following was seen between our arrival and 3.00pm:
Marsh Tit x 2
Coal Tit x 4
Chaffinch x 15
Wren x 3 - One individual was observed feeding from the surface of the water, just in front of the Whitley Hide. It achieved this by clinging to the bottom of the reeds and moving around the edge of the water.
Greenfinch x 2
Long-tailed Tit x 4
Nuthatch x 2
Water Rail x 1 - A single bird was seen beneath the feeding table on the right hand side, as viewed from the Whitley Hide. After checking the sightings book, it had been seen on numerous occasions over the previous days.
 |
| The view from Whitley Hide. |
Buzzard x 2
Bullfinch x 4 - The majority of sightings were male, which appears to tally with the sightings of other volunteer wardens throughout December.
Goldfinch x 100+ - It was difficult to estimate numbers, but there was certainly a large flock moving around the Volunteers' Hide. They remained within this area and this was possibly because of the niger seed feeders situated outside the hide. At least 25 individuals could be observed using the feeders at any given time.
Siskin x 2 - They appeared to be part of the flock and were taking advantage of the same niger seed feeders. In fact, the the Goldfinch appeared to be quite tolerant of their presence.
Great Spotted Woodpecker x 1 - A single male seen at the edge of Oak Fen.
Kestrel x 1
Jay x 1
