Birding and other distractions

After ignoring this local site for many years I've made several visits in the last two weeks. Today's visit was in generally overcast conditions with occasional light rain, though there were glimpses of the sun towards the end. The Firecrest near Wash Mills pond is still present though was somewhat frustrating to see. The bird is constantly active so challenging to photograph and todays efforts were either out of focus or the bird was facing the wrong direction. The Firecrest is usually on its own and generally silent, though on 16th January was heard singing. Other birds today included a Chiffchaff, a Siskin (flyover), two Blackcaps (heard only), a Great-spotted Woodpecker, approx. ten Long-tailed Tits and a number of Redwings. However, investigation of the site was severely hampered due to serious flooding on the lower paths, such that Wash Mills was impassable for example.

Continuing the run of good birds at Capstone a Bittern was reported by the ranger this morning, who saw it fly across the lake. There have been rumours of one for about a month, but never conclusively seen until today. The bird settled in tall trees on the south side of the lake, and was tolerant of people on the path beneath the trees.  No sign of any unusual ducks this morning, although Tufted are always nice to see.  There seem a fair number of rats at this park as they are not hard to find.

A short visit to Bredhurst as on the previous day.  A sunny afternoon, though soon turning cold as the sun went down. Marsh Tits were again seen in pylon valley, picked up readily on call. One bird showed well, another stayed higher up in the trees.  They were not associating with other tits, though mixed flicks of Great Tit and Blue Tit were also seen. No sign this afternoon of the Ravens seen the previous day. Raven, taken the previous day at long range.