Eleven intrepid members braved intermittent showers, mud and flooded paths at Papercourt. At the start a Sparrowhawk, seen by a few, sped along the towpath ahead of us. There was a distant flock of Siskins feeding in the alders across the canal and a Kestrel was perched nearby. Black headed-gulls had abandoned the lake in favour of the flooded fields, joined by Canada, Greylag and Egyptian geese. A Little Owl suddenly flew in to the willows and perched long enough for views through telescopes. A male Reed Bunting sat on a bush. A Song Thrush serenaded us and a few Redwings were seen. The lake was quiet, but there were a few ducks including Tufted and Pochards plus Great and Little Grebes and a Grey Heron. Heavier rain forced us back to the cars, but 38 species was a good total given the conditions.