Cold weather movement

A record count of 25 Teal on Mayesbrook lake yesterday was unexpected, and a visit this morning found none! but a fine female Wigeon was today's consolation.

female wigeon

With most of the lake frozen bar the sheltered areas by the islands it wasn't a surprise there was a clear out, with all the Gadwall dispersed and just a handful of Shoveler left, the regular Little egret fed along the stream, and a large flock of the commoner tits held a couple of Chiffchaff.

little egret

WREN RESCUE


This bird was rescued at work in the week and like the previous tawny owl was caught between windows with help from Huckleberry and Mat the Cat it was a successful catch and release.

More Tits

Me and Shaunboy had a cracking morning at Rainham today, catching up with the fem/1w Black Redstart around by the shooting butts that has been present several days now.

Also find several Bearded Tits from the new turnstile bridge, up to 30 birds have been reported this autumn and certainly the best count since the 1970's when large numbers used to seen on the silt lagoons, lets hope they stay onto the spring to breed.

The now resident immature male Marsh Harrier was again hunting the wennington marsh area and two Avocets in Aveley bay still represent good London records along with 170+ Black-tailed godwit, 120+ Redshank and 100+ Dunlin.

Still no filthy twitching here!

An afternoon stroll around Connaught water (Epping forest) in awful weather was brightened up with several drake Mandarin Ducks which eventually showed well.