A group of nine set off in cold and overcast weather but were soon watching a green woodpecker flying from a silver birch into a field to feed and back to the tree. The first lake we visited was full of ducks, including pochard, wigeon, gadwall, and goosander. A flyover glossy ibis was seen by two of the group. Little egret, great egret, and grey heron were all flying around the lake.

We then headed out in the direction where the glossy ibis had frequently been seen in recent weeks but without luck. At the far end of the walk, we found a green sandpiper. feeding actively along the muddy edge of a lake. 

On our way back at another lake, we saw a group of four male and four female goosanders. Walking back to the field near the car park. We were treated to the amazing sight of five species of thrush, song, mistle, redwing, fieldfare, and blackbird. One of the group optimistically hoped for a ring ouzel! 

Back at the car park we had seen a total of 48 species, but quickly picked up nuthatch, treecreeper, and great spotted woodpecker to take our total over 50 species on a most enjoyable morning walk.