randombirder

Last knockings of the year - one that has challenged us all to the core - some more than others.  I feel for them.  I feel fortunate - we don't know what the next year is going to bring but hope that we see healing, community, optimism, advances in medicine - maybe a vaccine - and a sense of collectiveness in fighting this heinous disease as we all deal with our own dis-ease. It had been a while since I'd visited Paxton - a very long time - around 15 years long.  It looks great - plenty of waterbodies with associated woodland and scrub habitat to keep things interesting.  As always - I wish there was more to report other than a smart male Bullfinch , a drake Goldeneye , a small flock of Siskin , and six Shoveler .

A little trip to Lynford Arboretum - a post Christmas walk to provide a little mental restoration.  It felt collegiate - people milling about - keeping our distance - convivial - considerate - it's what we need right now. Nothing of real note, but 30+ Crossbill is what you might expect round these part with small groups of Siskin,   Redpoll and Marsh Tit within the woodland.  A pair of  Goosander on the lake were a little unexpected.

Thankfully lockdown restrictions had lifted in time to make a dash for the Pied-billed Grebe at Chelmarsh Reservoir in Shropshire, a species that had been on my wanted list for a while. It was a horribly gloomy day with the rain pelting down but thankfully access to the site was relatively straightforward and the bird was present on arrival despite the murky conditions.  Not that it's ever about the numbers (!) but this was BOU #398 so edging closer to that magic figure. Atrocious video below - the weather was awful!