Friday 28th January 2011 - Afternoon

15:00 > 15:15
Cold, gusting NE wind, 2c.
Given the weather just a quick visit. Three Green Sandpipers observed bar a single forlorn Lapwing the only waders on site. A couple of dozen Wigeon still pick about on the mud while on the water seven Goosander (5m, 2f) represent the wildfowl. In the skies a pair of Little Egret over and the usual Common Buzzard wrapped up the day.

Friday 14th January 2011


Not a visit as such but observed from a train heading north over the Viaduct, extensive flooding in the valley, with the River Ouse over its banks in several places.

Friday 7th January 2011 - Afternoon

15:00 > 15:30
Dull, damp, calm, 6c.

First visit of the year and the first since mid-December. Back Brook has now flooded right through and is in flow, later than usual this season. Wildfowl again the centre of attention on the main body, numbers as follows, Goosander 8 (5f, 3m). Wigeon 30, Gadwall 3, Shoveler 2. Unfortunately no time to scan whats happening over the river at Cosgrove.

A pair of Green Sandpipers, there may be more, continue to overwinter.

70+ Lapwing were also resting on one of the spits as was a single Little Egret. Of interest were the remains of a Mute Swan along Back Brook with just a pair of wings remaining and feathers spread over quite a large area in a trail it looks like quite a struggle took place starting at the waters edge. You do have to ask what could have done this and discounting Fox because of the size of the prey you would have to suspect one of the dogs that 'responsible' owners let roam around the vicinity whether there are sheep in the field or not.