Sunday February 8

A still, sunny morning. The pools and flashes were still frozen, but it didn't feel as cold as recently.

I was a bit late setting off and so Dave was returning from exploring the south end as I arrived. There were no finch flocks down there, and indeed we couldn't find many finches or buntings anywhere on the patch today.

There was also no sign of the Barn Owl apart from a pellet in the ridge field, but the Tawny Owl decided to show itself, though only briefly, before scuttling back down its hole as my thoughts turned to taking a photograph. It was left to a mammal to pose for the camera.

Brown Hare

The pair of Stonechats was still present, and a Snipe flew out of the marsh. We reached the flashes to find a little more of interest than through most of the shooting season. It feels like someone has said "and relax", so the birds have. There were 20 Teal, about 20 Starlings, and another year-tick, two Green Sandpipers preening vigorously.

The Green Sandpipers

We wandered back, noting at least one Sparrowhawk and about 10 Common Buzzards circling. A potential patch tick, a Brown Rat, jumped out of the long grass. I think I've seen a squashed one but can't remember a live sighting before.

Buzzard

Our final year-tick of the day announced itself with its typical "swee" call as a Siskin, appeared high overhead and then disappeared behind the trees of Stapenhill Wood. Four Roe Deer bolted from the long grass of the Ridge Field, the largest party (by one) I have counted here.

Other things to reflect on today were the signs of early spring; Robins and Dunnocks seemed more evident, Skylarks were in full song, Great Spotted Woodpeckers have started drumming, and the snowdrops are out. The only thing missing were gulls. We saw not a single one today, perhaps a reflection of a very dry month.